Station closes as work begins for new trains
ORMSKIRK and other stations on the Northern Line to Liverpool will close for three weeks from this weekend.
A programme of platform upgrades is to begin to prepare the Merseyrail network for the arrival in 2020 of the new fleet of trains.
The phased programme of upgrades will be carried out from now until next June.
In phase one will mean work from this Saturday (October 20) until October 28 at stations between Ormskirk and Walton and from October 29 to November 9 at stations between Ormskirk and Old Roan.
Where stations are closed, rail replacement buses – some express services – will be in operation, with information available at stations.
Passengers are advised to visit www.merseyrail. org/itshappening for more information.
The second phase will take place between November 12 and December 16 at Bank Hall.
Rail replacement buses will be in operation and information will be available at stations closer to the time.
The work, by Network Rail, will involve upgrading platforms and realign- ing tracks to ensure that they are compatible with the new trains and their sliding step technology that will provide unassisted access for all.
Wheelchair users will be able to board trains without a ramp and passengers with prams and cycles can get on and off with ease.
There will be 11 phases of work between October 2018 and June 2019.
Only short sections of line will be closed at any one time, with all stations on that section closed. Closures will vary in duration, but most will be between nine and 30 days at a time.
Merseytravel, Merseyrail and Network Rail have worked together on this project and significant planning has been carried out to minimise the time needed to complete these works and reduce disruption.
More detailed information will be made available in advance of each phase and travellers will be encouraged to plan ahead, stick to public transport and consider their travel options including commercial bus services.
Businesses and organisations are advised to think about what they may need to put in place to support staff and customers.
Wayne Menzies, Merseytravel’s head of rail said: “We’ve got to complete these works.
“It’s really important that passengers know what’s happening so they can plan ahead and if we work together we can keep everyone moving and the city region will remain open for business.
“The new trains will transform how we travel and this project is about making this happen so although there will be some disruption it will be worth it in the end.”
For more information and further details about how rail journeys will be affected, visit the Merseyrail website.