Work starts to upgrade platforms on the Merseyrail network – getting ready for our new trains

The phased programme of upgrades will take place between October 2018 and June 2019, starting with Phase one on the Northern Line.

Phase one will see work take place from 20^th October to 28th October at stations between Ormskirk and Walton and from 29th October to 9th November at stations between Ormskirk and Old Roan. Where stations are closed rail replacement buses will be in operation, information will be available at stations. Passengers are advised to visit www.merseyrail.org/itshappening for more information.

The second phase of work will take place between 12^th November and 16^th December at Bank Hall station. Rail replacement buses will be in operation and information will be available at stations closer to the time.

These vital works, delivered by Network Rail, will involve upgrading existing platforms and realigning tracks to ensure that they are compatible with the new trains and their ground breaking, sliding step technology that will provide unassisted access for all.

This means that wheelchair users can board the train without a ramp and passengers with prams and cycles can get on and off the train with ease. This technology represents a pioneering approach for the UK.

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.

High quality, rail replacement buses will get passengers to where they need to go as quickly as possible and some of these will be express services.

Merseytravel, Merseyrail and Network Rail have worked collaboratively on this project and significant planning work has been carried out to minimise the time needed to complete these important works and reduce disruption to passengers.

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 and the Mersey Ferries.

Businesses and organisations are advised to think about what they may need to put in place to support staff and customers.

Key advice:

• You can still get to where you need to go
• Check before you travel. Closures are taking place at different locations at different times on the network so it’s important to keep checking what’s happening and when.  Some timetables may change.
• Plan ahead – use journey planners
• Leave more time for your journey. Timetables may change and your journey may be longer.
• Consider avoiding travelling at peak times where possible
• Consider your options –including commercial buses and the Mersey Ferries.

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.”

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said: “These works are vital to prepare our network for the arrival of the new state-of-the-art trains in 2020 and in particular the sliding step that will allow unassisted access for all our passengers. A lot of work has gone in to minimising disruption as much as possible while this work takes place and both high quality rail replacement buses and our staff will be available to help keep everyone moving.”

Marcus Barnes, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We’re delivering vital upgrades to 100 platforms and realigning track at 58 stations across the Merseyrail network to make sure they’re ready for new trains in 2020.

“This investment is part of a huge package of works across the Liverpool City Region and sits within our Great North Rail Project.

“Adjusting the height, width and layout of the platforms is more complex than it may sound and we’ll need to close sections of the line to complete these vital works safely.

“Many of these upgrades may not be obvious to passengers, but are key to enable improved access onto new Merseyrail trains using the new sliding step technology.”

For more information and further details about how your rail journeys will be affected visit the Merseyrail website.  Information is also on the Merseytravel website.

To find out more about our new, state of the art visit the new trains webpages.