Train passengers will be pleased to hear that the Preston to Blackpool North rail line is reopening this Monday (16 April), however it may be a bittersweet feeling.

After six months of ongoing work to electrify the 17-mile line, Network Rail will reopen the railway with one train running per hour.

This hourly train service will be operating to allow time for driver training on the route.

Read more: Preston to Blackpool railway line reopening date confirmed

Replacement bus services will continue every hour between Blackpool North and Preston.

Upgrade work is expected to continue overnight, when trains aren’t running, until spring time.

A new timetable for the Preston to Blackpool North line will be introduced on 20 May.

The stretch between Preston and Blackpool South was completed last month.

Read more: Preston passengers to get free WiFi on Virgin Trains

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said:

“During the closure we’ve worked round-the-clock to upgrade and electrify the line to provide passengers with better services on this important route later this year.

“This work will allow greener, quieter and more reliable train services to run between Preston and Blackpool North when the new timetable is introduced on 20 May.”

Sharon Keith, Northern regional director, said: “On Monday 16 April we will introduce an hourly service on the route while we carry out essential driver training in preparation for the May timetable changes.

“I am asking our customers to plan their journeys carefully when travelling to and from Blackpool.

“Timetables from Blackpool North will be updated as more services are introduced, whilst a full rail service will continue to operate from Blackpool South.”

Have you been affected by the line closure? What do you think about the line reopening? Let us know in the comments below