Network Rail are urging passengers to plan ahead this Sunday as work takes place between Southport and Wigan.
The work is part of the Great North Rail Project, with work to extend platforms having already been started at Bescar Lane and New Lane stations on the Southport to Wigan line and is due to be completed by early May.
Most of the work will take place during overnight shifts when trains aren’t running, however a full day shift is needed to complete the improvements.
On Sunday 27 January, Northern services between Southport and Wigan will be replaced by buses.
What did the officials say?
Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire, said:
“I am pleased that Network Rail is committed to improving the Southport to Wigan line which serves many stations in West Lancashire through Scarisbrick, Burscough, Parbold and Appley Bridge.
“They have planned the upgrade works to minimise disruption to passengers including working overnight, so I hope commuters will manage with one day of rail replacement buses for the longer term gain of longer platforms to accommodate longer trains with more seats.”
Lawrence Cheung, project sponsor for Network Rail, said:
“Work to increase the length of platforms at Bescar Lane and New Lane station forms part of the Great North Rail project and will allow longer trains to run on this route.
“We would like to thank passengers and local residents affected by this vital work for their patience whilst this takes place.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:
“Extending platforms is vital if we are to effectively increase capacity for our customers. We know our customers want better trains with more room, and longer platforms mean we will be able to deliver this.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this work will cause, and we’re working with Network Rail to keep any disruption to a minimum and have plans in place to keep our customers on the move.”
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Responses
Would Southport to Wigan Line might be electrified in the future. As Network Rail are carrying out electrification works across Northern England. Including electrification to Stalebridge and the electrification on the Bolton Corridor Line (Manchester-Preston via Bolton Line) which is completed. And Class 319s and Class 331s are due to start working on the Bolton Line very soon.
Oh bloody hell just my luck, that’s my local route.😡 it’s bad enough that northern strike every Saturday.