A once in a generation investment is being made to improve railway signalling on a key section of the West Coast main line in the North West.

The £45m Great North Rail Project investment by Network Rail will see 56 signals between Prestbury, Macclesfield and Congleton upgraded to the latest technology.

Signals are the traffic lights of the railway and are crucial for trains to run safely and on time.

Once replaced the 56 signals will be controlled from Network Rail’s state of the art control centre in Manchester.

Work starts in July and will take a total of 17 months.

The major investment will improve future journeys for passengers and freight on one of Europe’s busiest mixed-use rail routes.

Ian Robinson, project manager for Network Rail, said: “This once in a generation overhaul of Macclesfield’s signalling system will bring this key section of the West Coast main line up to the most modern standards. The £45m Great North Rail Project investment will future proof journeys and create a more reliable railway for passengers and freight services.

“Before our work in Macclesfield begins, we’ve invited local people to speak with us - I’d like to thank our neighbours and passengers in advance for their patience.”

Gus Dunster, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re excited that Network Rail are upgrading the signalling system on a key section of our Manchester route as part of their Great North Rail Project. Once complete, the works will help to make journeys on the West Coast main line more reliable for many years to come.”

John Robson, CrossCountry regional director West Midlands and North West, said: “This investment in better technology is vital in keeping passengers and trains moving for years to come. Having more reliable services means a better customer experience and more consistency when travelling through the area.”

David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, said: “It’s good to see this major investment being made to upgrade signalling equipment on this important railway line which will make services more reliable for passengers."