The multi-million pound upgrade of the London Overground network is close to completion following the successful commissioning of new signalling equipment, which will allow more trains to run on the line connecting Richmond and Clapham Junction with Stratford.

Once complete in May, passengers using London Overground services will benefit from up to eight trains an hour during peak times on parts of the network, double the current number and with a more reliable timetable. New and longer platforms at some stations will also allow four carriages per train, increasing capacity.

Andrew Munden, Network Rail route director, said: “London relies on rail to get more than a million people to and from work every day, which is why investment in projects like the London Overground upgrade is so important to the capital’s economy.

“I’m delighted to report that last week’s work went to plan and that we’re now only a couple of months away from completion. This project will provide vital additional capacity in time for the Olympic Games and help meet growing demand on this busy commuter line, supporting economic growth across vast swathes of London.”