The first of Eurostar’s new fleet of high-speed trains has called at Ashford International station.
Arriving at 2.55pm on its way to Paris, the Eurostar e320 was able to stop at Ashford thanks to the completion of a £10 million project to install new signalling equipment and adapt the station’s platforms.
The milestone comes a day before the high-speed operator launches its direct Amsterdam service.
The project was delivered by Network Rail and funded from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.
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Network Rail route managing director in the south east, John Halsall, said: “This project is a perfect example of how the railway can play a strong role in the continuing economic development of the South East.
“Our partners have put their faith and investment in the industry to deliver this project, which will future-proof the town’s station and preserve its status as part of Europe’s high speed network.
“High speed rail and links to Europe have given Ashford a huge boost over the past 22 years and we are pleased to be working with Eurostar and local authorities to keep that going.”
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