Passengers travelling to or via Warrington Bank Quay this Easter are being asked to plan ahead as changes to train times will affect journeys as a bridge is being replaced at the station.
Network Rail are carrying out the work in a £3.5m project as part of the Great North Rail Project.
The work involves removing the old bridge which carries 2 railway tracks on Platform 1 and using a crane to move the new one into place.
Trains on the West Coast main line will be diverted at Crewe and will go through Manchester to Preston.
Rail replacement buses will run between Crewe and Preston through Warrington Bank Quay and also between Manchester Piccadilly/ Earlestown and to Chester and Ellesmere Port,
In addition to the new bridge, a footbridge will be upgraded and work will take place to fill in a disused bridge span.
Work on the project began in January and should be finished by the end of April.
Passengers should check National Rail Enquiries for details of changes to times/replacement buses.
Phil James, director for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “Our essential railway upgrades in Warrington will improve performance for passengers and freight and help to play its part in Britain building back better from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“We’ve worked with our industry partners to minimise disruption and keep passengers moving this Easter, however some trains will run on alternative routes and others will be replaced by buses through Warrington. I’d urge people to plan ahead by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk”
Gus Dunster, executive director of operations and safety at Avanti West Coast, said: “As Network Rail carry out vital works near Warrington, our trains will be unable to serve Warrington Bank Quay over the Easter weekend. As a result, some journeys may take longer and involve a rail replacement service. We have worked with Network Rail to minimise the impact to journeys if you need to travel.”
“We strongly recommend you make a reservation, plan your journey in advance as well as check the National Rail Enquiries and Avanti West Coast websites before travelling.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The engineering at Warrington Bank Quay is another fantastic example of the work being delivered by the Great North Rail Project to improve the region’s railways.”
“As an industry we continue to work together to keep disruption for our customers to an absolute minimum and I’d like, in advance, any customers who have to make journeys over Easter for their patience and understanding.”
Andy Carter, MP for Warrington South, said: “I’m always delighted to see funding being put to good use at Warrington Bank Quay. Doing the work while the rail network is quiet makes complete sense to minimise disruption. There are some urgent repairs required which I’ve been pushing for and the £3.5m will improve safety aspects as well as making journeys more reliable.”
“I’ve been assured by Network Rail that disruption and noise will be kept to a minimum, with works finishing by late April. If residents have any issues, please contact their 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”
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Responses
The railway tracks below the station could have platforms built and to make Warrington Bank Quay a interchange station with both high level platforms serving the West Coast Main Line and the low level platforms serving the non-electrified local line.