September 2004
Modified infrastructure, boosting train capacity and enabling new trains to run at enhanced permissible speeds of 125mph in tilt mode between London and Manchester and at permissible speed tilt running between London and Birmingham.
June 2005
Upgraded sections to run at permissible speed tilt between Weaver Junction and Liverpool, and at 125mph enhanced permissible speed running from Crewe to Preston and Birmingham to Stafford.
December 2005
Upgraded the sections to accommodate trains travelling at 125mph enhanced permissible speed and permissible speed tilt between Preston and Glasgow, and Rugby and Birmingham.
2008
Completed major remodeling schemes to increase capacity and line speed to meet the 2008 timetable and introduce the Virgin High Frequency train service.
December 2008
The line opened.