Five-day rail closure for bridge to be rebuilt
THE railway bridge over the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Burscough will close for five days next month.
The bridge will be completely replaced as part of the Great North Rail Project, aimed at ensuring more reliable journeys for passengers for years to come.
In order to carry out the work, no trains will run between Southport and Parbold stations from Saturday, November 16 until Wednesday, November 20.
Bus replacement services will operate during that time.
To allow engineers to carry out the work, there will also be a seven-day closure of the canal towpath beneath the bridge from Friday, November 1.
During the closure, more than 400yd of track drainage will also be upgraded at Hoscar Lane station.
Additionally, sleepers and sections of rail will be upgraded around Southport station to improve journeys for passengers.
Ian Jones, route delivery director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “This essential refurbishment is part of the Great North Rail Project and will mean that the bridge will be fit for purpose for decades to come.
“I’m sorry for any impact the work will have and would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, added: “The bridge renewal is a vital part of work to future-proof the railway and we are working hard with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum.
“We will do all we can to keep our customers on the move while the work is carried out.”
Rosie Cooper, Labour MP for West Lancashire, said: “I welcome news of the upgrades to the Southport to Manchester line and the drainage works to be carried out at Hoscar station.
“This will inevitably cause some disruption to commuters, but I expect the works to be an improvement for people in the longer term, and am aware that rail replacement buses will be in place.” She added: “I look forward to continuing to work with Network Rail to secure improvements where needed, including at Parbold station, increasing the reliability and commuter satisfaction of those using trains.”
Travellers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check the availability of services at www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel.