Starting on Tuesday, January 3, the entire loop line track will be replaced in a multi-million pound operation lasting six months, causing considerable commuter disruption. Tony McDonough reports.

Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce is leading the way in helping staff during the closure of Merseyrail’s loop line which connects Liverpool and Wirral.

Starting on Tuesday, January 3, the entire loop line track will be replaced in a multi-million pound operation lasting six months.

Three-phase plan

The first six weeks of the  three-phase schedule will see all Wirral line trains start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central. Rail replacement buses will run between Wirral and Liverpool Stations.

Phase two, starting on February 13, will see Wirral line trains will start and terminate at James Street station and phase 3, starting on May 30, will again see all Wirral Line services start and end at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central, with rail replacement buses shuttling to and from Liverpool.

Long-term gain

Merseytravel is keen for businesses and organisations with staff affected by the work come up with measures to minimise the hassle – and the chamber has risen to the challenge.

Its director of business development, Richard Daly, said: “While we acknowledge that these works may result in some short-term pain with extended commuting times, it will be worth it for the long-term gain of a robust public transport network that helps support and drive the local economy.

“We don’t have high numbers of staff travelling into work in Liverpool via Wirral, but we obviously still recognise the importance of supporting those workers in making sure they can continue to do their job while the works are on-going.”

The chamber has come up with a number of schemes and ideas to help staff during the works:

• Encouraging staff to continue using public transport – the rail replacement bus service, regular cross-river bus services or the Mersey Ferries, parking at Seacombe rather using their cars to cross the river.
• Extending its core hours from 9am – 5pm to 7am – 6pm, giving staff the chance to come in earlier and leave later.
• Looking into setting up a breakfast club, which will allow staff to eat at work in the morning after coming in. There is also the potential to setup a “dinner club” for after work, if demand called for it.
• Ensuring that the staff who have the ability to work from home have the necessary technology to do so.
• Working with staff on an individual basis to support those with childcare issues.

Flexible approach

Wayne Menzies, chair of the Liverpool City Region Major Events Transport Board and head of rail for Merseytravel, added: “We want to work with businesses and organisations to reduce travel during peak periods, particularly cross-river, to help people get to work and to keep the city region moving.

“We completely appreciate the inconvenience caused by the changes to people’s travel arrangements and that many of the tips may not help those with set hours, a location- based job or who have specific caring responsibilities.

“However, if we can help businesses mitigate the impact and reduce the flow of passengers during the peaks we make the journey easier for all – those who can be more flexible and those who can’t.”