Rail passengers face a tricky start to 2018

RAIL passengers are being warned to brace themselves for a tricky start to 2018 with engineering works and strike action to hit routes in and out of Manchester.

From Saturday, January 6, whole sections of railway across the north will be closed during weekdays and weekends, affecting journeys in and out of Manchester from destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxenholme, Penrith, Lancaster, Preston, Liverpool, Wigan, Chorley and Bolton.

There will also likely be further closures when the work is being tested and trains put into service.

Network Rail has said it is working to complete a final timetable on how services will be hit.

Strike action is also planned for 2018. The union RMT has announced plans for Northern and Merseyrail to walk out over what they described as ‘ludicrous’ plans for driver-only trains.

Staff have been advised not to book in for any shifts on January 8, 10, or 12.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “The Great North Rail Project is a hugely ambitious and challenging programme of work and, as with any major upgrades to the railway, there will be disruption to passengers. We do understand their frustration but once sections are completed, passengers across the region will feel the benefits.”

Liam Sumpter, regional director of Northern, said the works would pave the way for timetable improvements and they would work to minimise disruption.

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine, said works would affect routes between Scotland and Manchester Airport, and between Liverpool and Manchester, adding: “We are advising everyone to take the time to plan their journeys in advance.”

Works in January include the completion of the Manchester-Preston upgrade. This had been due to be ready in December but old mine workings, running sand and rock layers have hampered the installation of steel columns to carry cables for electric trains.

Work will also continue on the line between Blackpool and Preston as well as signalling improvements on a 16-mile stretch of track between Edge Hill and Winsford.

There will be signalling and track replacement work in Stalybridge to improve train reliability and tupgrades to the track that links the Chester and Warrington line with Liverpool and Crewe.