Network Rail has announced a five-day closure of the railway line which runs between Southport and Wigan.

No trains will run between Southport or Parbold stations from Saturday 16th November until Wednesday 20th November. The railway will be closed for the replacement of the bridge near Burscough over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Rail replacement bus services will be in operation during the works which are part of the Great North Rail Project, which will also see more than 400m of track drainage being upgraded at Hoscar Lane Station, with sleepers and rail being upgraded around Southport Station.

The canal towpath beneath the bridge will also be closed for a week from Friday 15th November to allow the work on the bridge to be carried out.

Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk for more information and for them to check their revised journey details.

What did the officials say?

Ian Jones, route delivery director for Network Rail’s North West route, said:

“This essential refurbishment is part of the Great North Rail Project and will mean that the bridge will be fit for purpose for decades to come. I’m sorry for any impact the work will have and would like to thank passengers in advance for their patience.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:

“The bridge renewal is a vital part of work to future-proof the railway and we are working hard with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum. We will do all we can to keep our customers on the move whilst the work is carried out.”

Rosie Cooper, Labour MP for West Lancashire, said:

“I welcome news of the upgrades to the Southport to Manchester line and the drainage works to be carried out at Hoscar station. This will inevitably cause some disruption to commuters, but I expect the works to be an improvement for people in the longer term, and am aware that rail replacement buses will be in place. I look forward to continuing to work with Network Rail to secure improvements where needed, including at Parbold station, increasing the reliability and commuter satisfaction of those using trains.”

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