RAIL passengers were able to catch their regular trains from York to Selby after Network Rail reopened Selby Swing Bridge yesterday after £14 million of repairs.

No trains have been able to run over the bridge since late July while engineers replaced track, repaired steelwork, completed work to strengthen the bridge and improve the hydraulics and also repainted the structure.

Mark Tarry, area director for Network Rail, said: “This is the most significant improvement made to the bridge since it was built in 1889. Many parts of it will not need any further work for decades.

“Our engineers have worked around the clock to complete this work in the shortest possible time frame and we thank passengers and local residents for their patience while it was carried out.

“An existing speed restriction on passenger services and a weight restriction for freight services can be lifted, improving the reliability of rail services on the route.”

A spokesperson representing the train operators said: “The long-term approach by Network Rail to the improvements on the bridge means less disruption in the future for our customers. It’s important for us as operators that customers feel our services are consistent as well as reliable and this investment will surely see that in place.

“We have worked hard to keep customers informed and up to date and we believe that the alternative travel arrangements have worked well. We'd like to thank rail passengers for their continued patience and understanding.”

No trains called at Selby station over the weekend to allow testing of the structure.