PASSENGERS are urged to plan ahead Merseyrail's third phase of platform upgrade works in Wirral.

From December 27 to January 2, New Brighton and West Kirby trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and from December 27 to January 1 services for Ellesmere Port and Chester will start and terminate at Birkenhead Central.

The upgrade works will ensure that platforms across the Merseyrail network will work with the new Stadler trains set for introduction in 2020.

With sliding step technology, the new trains will provide unassisted access for all and will mean wheelchair users can board the train without a ramp and passengers with prams and cycles can get on and off the train with ease.

Merseytravel's head of rail Wayne Menzies told the Globe: "The Wirral loop line is one of our busiest interchanges and while we appreciate that people will want to travel to Liverpool over the Christmas holidays, our figures show us that this is its quietest time of year, which is why we’ve scheduled the work to take place.

"We will be using the same plan as we did during the Wirral Loop Line Track Renewals last year which were well received by passengers, and so we are confident that people’s travel arrangements won’t be hampered too much.

“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.”

Rail replacement buses will run between Birkenhead Central station and Liverpool plus Birkenhead North station and Liverpool.

There will also be a shuttle bus operating between Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Conway Park, Hamilton Square and Birkenhead Central.

In total there are 11 phases of work scheduled between October 2018 and June 2019 to upgrade Merseyrail platforms.

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."

Key advice:

  • You can still get to where you need to go
  • Check before you travel, especially during the Christmas period as timetables may change. 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

For more information visit https://www.merseyrail.org/platform-upgrade-works.aspx