Passengers urged to plan ahead during Southport to Wigan rail closure
Track replacement work will halt train services between Southport and Wigan Wallgate
Passengers using the rail line between Southport and Wigan Wallgate are advised to plan their journeys in advance due to upcoming engineering works.
Network Rail teams will be undertaking major track replacement near Parbold from Monday 27th to Friday 31st July.
The works will mean that no trains will operate on the Southport to Wigan Wallgate route during this period.
To assist passengers, replacement buses will be provided between Southport and Wigan Wallgate.
Additionally, trains running between Manchester and Southport will terminate at Wigan instead of continuing to Southport.
Track upgrades
The engineering work involves replacing ageing sections of track, including sleepers and ballast.
Upon completion, it is expected to improve ride quality and reduce delays and speed restrictions within the area.
Derek Davies, the project manager for Network Rail, highlighted the necessity of the work.
“Our teams will be replacing nearly a kilometre of track, sleepers, and the ‘formation’ below the railway, as the current track is nearing the end of its life," Davies said.
He explained that the upgraded track will offer better drainage and a more reliable railway experience.
"We know there is never an ideal time to close the railway and we are using this closure to complete multiple pieces of work, avoiding the need for two or three weekends of disruption. The work has been planned into the school holiday period when passenger demand is lower. We would like to thank passengers for their patience during the closure," Davies added.
Travel advice
Stuart Taylor, Northern's director of service delivery in Greater Manchester, advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys during the works.
“We’re advising customers to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys while this essential engineering work is being carried out," Taylor said.
While no trains will run between Southport and Wigan Wallgate, rail replacement buses will be available, and tickets will be accepted on alternative routes.