Network Rail to hold public consultaion over works on Merseyrail Southport line

Passengers travelling on Merseyrail’s Southport line are being advised of a rail closure in August while Network Rail replaces a bridge crossing the River Alt in Formby.

On Tuesday 6 August 2024, Network Rail is holding an event at Ravenmeols Community Centre, Formby, where residents and passengers can drop in between 4pm and 7pm to meet the project team and find out more about the work.

From Monday 19 to Friday 23 August 2024, engineers will replace the ageing bridge with a new concrete structure, making sure it is safe and reliable for years to come.

While the work takes place, train services are unable to run between Hall Road and Formby.

Buses will operate between these two stations, calling at all stops. In addition, there will be non-stop buses running between Southport and Hall Road from approximately 06:30 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:30.

Journey times will be extended for these five days. Journeys between Southport and Liverpool city centre are expected to take an additional 30 mins.

A normal timetable will be in operation from Saturday 24 August.

Chris Penny, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said:

“I’d like to thank Merseyrail customers and Formby residents for their patience while we replace the bridge across the River Alt in Formby.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the local community on Tuesday 6 August at Ravenmeols Community Centre, where we will share more about what the work means for passengers and people living near to the work site.

“We will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum throughout the work.”

Suzanne Grant, chief commercial officer and deputy managing director at Merseyrail, said:

“We’re sorry that customer journeys will be affected by this engineering work. However, the bridge replacement is essential.

“If you have any questions about how this project will affect you, please do attend the public engagement event at Ravenmeols Community Centre, or speak to a member of our team at any staffed station.”