TRACK relaying between Eggesford and Lapford is among £3.75-million of improvements carried out on the Tarka Line during the past financial year.

During the 2012-13 financial year, Network Rail relaid 3.8 miles of track on the Exeter to Barnstaple line to improve reliability and performance.

The investment includes track re-laying work that has taken place during the recent blockades in November 2012 and March 2013 and drainage works. One and a quarter miles of track was re-laid on the north side of Eggesford, while another mile and a half was relaid at Lapford.

Tim Maddocks, Network Rail's customer services manager for the Westcountry, said: 'Our aim is to improve performance, reduce maintenance costs and make the Tarka Line a more reliable, safer and smoother ride for passengers.'

The work includes track renewals to provide continuous welded rail and other essential maintenance and repair work on structures such as drainage, bridges and viaducts.

The dates and times of all the works were chosen to minimise the disruption to train services and reduce the impact on passengers travelling on the line.