Rail services to Shepperton via Teddington have re-opened early after a £6.5m upgrade to Fulwell’s drainage system.

The project, which is part of Network Rail’s Upgrade Plan, is due to be completed in the autumn and is intended to improve the resilience of the line against flooding.

Network Rail’s senior asset engineer, Hector Kidds, said during the past two weeks the team has completely dug up the track to install the new drainage system at Fulwell, and nearly three kilometres of existing drainage along the route has been cleared.

He added: “There is still some work to do later this summer before the drainage system will be fully operational, but we’re delighted this extensive work has been completed on time.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience during the disruption.”

Twickenham MP Tania Mathias said she was glad the long overdue work had been completed.

Dr Mathias said: “This work should make a big difference for commuters although I understand that the track's proximity to the water table level means a flood risk cannot be completely eliminated.”