Upgrade works lead to rail replacement services

MERSEYRAIL has announced rail replacement bus timetables for the new year while platform upgrade works are carried out.

The work is going ahead in stages, with the SouthportLiverpool line worst affected in February.

Stations between Southport and Formby are to be worked on during Phase 6 of the upgrade works, and rail replacement buses will operate on the Southport line from February 2-24.

The rail operator said that from February 2-10: “Rail replacement buses will be running between Southport and Hall Road stations.

“From Monday to Friday, between 06:28 and 19:43, trains will run between Hunts Cross and Formby.

“Passengers can board a rail replacement bus service at Formby station, which will call at all stations to and from Southport.

“At all other times trains will run between Hunts Cross and Hall Road.

“Passengers can board a rail replacement bus service at Hall Road station, which will call at all stations to and from Southport.

“Trains running to and from Formby at selected times will not call at Hightown station.

“Passengers travelling from Hightown towards Liverpool will need to board a rail replacement bus service to Hall Road for train services.

“As well as regular rail replacement buses stopping at all affected stations, express buses will run between selected stations Mondays to Saturdays.

“As part of the works Ainsdale level crossing will be closed during all or some of these dates.

“The road closure may result in the rail replacement bus stop being relocated.”

From Monday, February 11, until Sunday, February 24, rail replacement buses will be running between Formby and Moorfields.

Throughout this period, Merseyrail said: “Rail replacement buses will run between Formby and Moorfields stations.

“As well as regular rail replacement buses stopping at all affected stations, express buses will run between selected stations Mondays to Saturdays.

“Trains will continue to run between Sandhills and Liverpool stations.

“If you are travelling on the Southport line and wish to change onto the Ormskirk or Kirkby lines please change at Sandhills station.

“Between February 11 and 17, Hall Road rail replacement bus services may be affected by the possible closure of Hall Road level crossing.”

Merseyrail added that any changes will be confirmed nearer the time.

Full rail replacement timetables are available on the Merseyrail website, and passengers are advised to double check timetables during this period.