The region's railways are to reap a £150 million investment boost to improve services and ease overcrowding.

Network Rail has announced a two-year spending programme which will see new platforms and tracks, line speeds raised and capacity increased through major resignalling schemes.

The news comes as France unveiled the world's fastest train service, with speeds breaking the 350mph barrier.

Improvements in the Gazette region include:

  • £50 million on signal between Colchester and Clacton
  • £50 million on overhead lines between Chelmsford and Liverpool Street
  • £3 million on bi-directional signalling between Colchester and Marks Tey to boost performance
  • £780,000 on the station entrance at Witham.

Almost £2.5 billion is being spent across the UK over the next two years.

Chief executive John Armitt said: "Demand for rail continues to grow and today's news outlines Network Rail's response to those demands."