THE Merseyrail third-rail network will see a series of phased engineering blockades take place between October 20 and June 16 next year, in a project to upgrade track and stations for the new Class 777 trains.
Before the Stadler-built EMUs can enter service, track realignment and platform improvements are necessary, requiring 11 separate closures of between nine and 30 days over the coming months.
First to be affected will be the Northern Line, where the Walton to Ormskirk section will be closed from October 20-28.
Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save
That will be followed by a closure at Bank Hall, affecting the Southport line, from November 12 until December 16.
Phase 3 sees work switch to the Wirral Line, with another blockade of the city centre loop line and Mersey Tunnel from December 24 until January 1.
Phases 4-6 will affect the Northern Line in January and February, starting with the Rice Lane to Kirkby section on January 5-13, Liverpool Central to Hunts Cross in stages between January 19 and 27, Southport to Hall Road on February 2-10, and Formby to Bank Hall on February 11-24.
Read more in the October issue of The RM – on sale now!
