This third and final phase, which starts on Tuesday, May 30, and is due to complete on Sunday, June 18, will see a return to rail replacement buses between Liverpool and Wirral. Tony McDonough reports
Phase three of Merseyrail’s £340m sixth-month Wirral Loop Line renewal programme starts on Tuesday, May 30.
This third and final phase, which is due to complete on Sunday, June 18, will see a return to rail replacement buses between Liverpool and Wirral.
The current second phase has seen trains running from James Street on weekdays but from next Tuesday, buses will ferry passengers to and from Moorfields and Lime Street in Liverpool and Birkenhead Central and Birkenhead North.
Click to see a time-lapse video of renewal work taking place on the loop
People who would normally use loop services (trains between James Street, Moorfields, Lime Street and Central) can use their rail tickets on the 10A bus to travel around the loop.
There are also 14 existing cross-river bus services that run between Wirral/Chester and Liverpool.
Services will be strengthened to accommodate existing and new customers.
Transport authority Merseytravel has also issued the following advice for commuters.
- Don’t take the car, use public transport: The Mersey Tunnels and surrounding routes can accommodate additional buses but they will not be able to cope with an increase in cars at peak times.
- Avoid travelling at peak times where possible: If you work, speak to your employer about whether there is any flexibility in working times or times you could avoid travelling altogether.
- Leave more time for your journey.
- Consider your options: Different ways of travelling may suit your needs depending on where you need to go and at what time.
More information about rail services and replacement buses is available at stations or visitwww.merseyrail.org/trackrenewal