Passengers on the Southport line are being advised of a closure this August due to the replacement of a bridge that crosses the River Alt in Formby.

Between the 19th and 23rd August, engineers will replace the 110-year-old bridge with a new concrete structure.

The £3.5m project means that trains cannot run between Hall Road and Formby.

Buses will operate instead of trains, with express non-stop buses also running between Southport and Hall Road.

“I’d like to thank Merseyrail passengers for their patience while we replace the bridge across the River Alt in Formby.

“I’m also grateful to the local community who live near the bridge for their understanding. We will do all we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum during the work.”

Chris Penny, scheme project manager at Network Rail

“We’re sorry that customer journeys will be affected by this engineering work. However, the bridge replacement is essential.

“We have put a comprehensive rail replacement bus service in place, which will help customers get to where they need to be. During these essential works, customers should allow more time for their journeys.”

Suzanne Grant, chief commercial officer and deputy managing director at Merseyrail