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Friday 3 Mar 2006

MAJOR RENEWALS FOR MERSEYRAIL NETWORK

Region & Route:

Passengers using the Northern line between Southport and Birkdale are set to benefit from smoother and quieter journeys when the current track is upgraded. The £1 million scheme to install ‘continuously welded track’, will end the familiar ‘clackety-clack’ noise on the existing track. To allow the replacement work to take place, the line between Southport and Formby stations will be closed from Saturday, March 25 until Monday, April 3 2006. Andrew Skidmore, General Manager (Liverpool), said: “This is the fifth renewals scheme to be carried out on the Merseyrail network in the last two years and demonstrates Network Rail’s continued commitment to maintaining these busy lines and investing in the railway in the north west.” During the work: 1,637 yards of track will be laid 2,300 sleepers will be replaced 5,000 tonnes of ballast will also be replaced the scheme will be carried out over 810 manshifts The work will also involve the temporary closure of Birkdale, Aughton Road, Duke Street and Portland Street level crossings to vehicles while the work is carried out. The closure of these crossings has been carried out in consultation with Sefton Borough Council and diversionary routes will be in place. Arrangements are being made at each crossing for supervised access for elderly and disabled people. During the work a rail replacement service will be in operation between Formby and Southport and at peak times an “express” service will be in place between these points. At all other times the replacement services will call at Freshfield, Ainsdale, Hillside, Birkdale and Southport stations. The trains between Formby and Liverpool Central/Hunts Cross will run as per the timetable. Passengers should call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 for more information about rail replacement services.