Six week Wirral Line closure starts today

The first of three periods of disruption to the Wirral Line is underway.

Major works to replace tracks between the Wirral and Liverpool will hit rail users for a big part of the year.

The work is broken down into three phases, with the first phase running from today until Sunday 12th February. During this period all Wirral line trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central, with replacement buses running between Wirral and Liverpool stations.

In the second phase which runs from 13th February - 29th May, All Wirral line trains will start and terminate at James Street.

The third and final phase from 30th May - 18th June will again see all Wirral trains starting and terminating at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central.

So what do you need to know?

• Trains will not run around the loop line. - If you travel on the New Brighton or West Kirby lines, trains will run every 30 minutes. Six car trains will run when possible to maintain the number of seats available. - Small timetable alterations will be made on the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines. Ellesmere Port services will start and terminate at Hooton at certain times. - Express rail replacement buses will run directly between Birkenhead and Liverpool providing a speedy service. - Work will be partially suspended for the Grand National Festival, Easter and May bank holidays. - Valid cross-river rail tickets will be accepted on all Mersey Ferries. - In Liverpool city centre, valid rail tickets will be accepted on the 10A bus service. - Cross-river bus services will be strengthened. - A dedicated social media team will provide up to the minute travel information. At stations, staff will ensure you catch rail replacement services as quickly as possible. - Passengers with special transport needs will be assisted.

• Local News