Network Rail is advising passengers of changes to journeys between Chester, Warrington and Manchester and Liverpool via Runcorn this week.

Engineers will be working to strengthen and waterproof Warford Farm bridge and Watercourse bridge, and to remove overgrown plants and repair brickwork. The extent of the work means the railway has to close to trains between today (Monday 13) and Sunday 19 November.

Buses will replace trains, and Network Rail urges to passengers to check for details on the national rail website and to allow extra time for their journeys.

you can find more information on how Network Rail maintains its bridges here.

William Brandon, Network Rail project manager, said: “We know there’s never an ideal time to close the railway so I’d like to thank people for their patience while we carry out these essential upgrades to two railway bridges.

“The scale of these projects means there will be disruption to trains through the area involved this week. We’ve worked closely with all train operators on plans to keep passengers on the move, and I’d urge people to plan ahead by checking National Rail Enquiries, so they know what to expect from their individual journey.”