Merseyrail to begin running Liverpool trains again after snow closure

UPDATE: Merseyrail has sent RailAdvent the following update.

Following forecasted adverse weather conditions overnight and this morning, work has taken place to clear lines and the network is now being assessed. We are currently working towards reintroducing passenger services on a line-by-line basis this morning with the aim of running our timetabled service from approximately midday.

Services may be subject to delay and passengers are advised to continue checking @merseyrail on Twitter and the website before they travel.

After snowfall overnight, Merseyrail has confirmed that they arent able to run any trains today, Friday 8th January 2021.

The operator is telling people to stay at home, and for those who must travel for work, Merseyrail is telling them to make alternative travel arrangements.

Rail replacement buses will not be in operation due to the huge amount of disruption. Ticket acceptance for season ticket holders will be in place on Arriva, Stagecoach and Mersey Ferries.

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Merseyrail has said that attempts may be made to run a service if conditions improve, so are advising passengers to check their Twitter on @merseyrail.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “We have been working hard over the last few weeks to prepare the network for adverse winter weather conditions, covering the rail with anti-ice and running trains throughout the night to keep the lines clear.”

“Through previous experiences when, following the anti-icing, we incur a combination of snow, sleet and rain fall on our electrified third rail as is forecasted, this can result in a new layer of ice which electricity cannot pass through and trains are unable to operate.”

“As a result of this, we believe it is highly likely that trains will not operate on Friday. We hope that this advance notice will give passengers enough time to make alternative travel arrangements.

“We will be continuously working with Network Rail to run services as soon as is safely possible and apologise for any inconvenience this will cause our passengers.”

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