Merseyrail slashes services because of heat
There will be significant disruption to services today
Merseyrail bosses are warning there will be significant disruption to services today (Tuesday 19 July) due to the forecast high temperatures and red weather warnings in place. Passengers are advised not to travel unless essential.
The extremely high temperatures are causing a number of heat related problems to Network Rail track and equipment.
As a result, the number of trains running and journey times will be seriously affected. Additionally, some routes will be closed completely.
On the West Kirby and New Brighton lines, services will only run between Birkenhead North and Liverpool city centre with a 15-minute frequency. No rail replacement buses will run.
Chester and Ellesmere Port services will only run between Rock Ferry and Liverpool city centre again with a 15-minute frequency. No rail replacement buses will run.
A 15-minute service will operate on the Southport to Hunts Cross line. There will be a limited service at the Bank Hall, Hightown, Hall Road and Hillside stations which will have a 30-minute service.
On the Hunts Cross line, services will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway. Rail replacement buses will continue to run between Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross stations.
On the Kirkby line no train services or rail replacement buses will run.
On the Ormskirk line a normal service will operate.
All of these changes will be in place from the start to end of service on Tuesday 19 July.
Zoe Hands, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail said,
“We apologise to Merseyrail passengers for the reduction of some services, this is due to a number of heat related issues with the infrastructure which mean our trains are unable to operate as normal.
“If you do have to travel, please remember to take water with you and to leave more time for your journey as disruption is possible.
“We are confident that services will return to normal from Wednesday onwards”
Kara Wood, Head of Performance and Customer at Network Rail’s North West route, said:
"We're sorry to announce that due to the unprecedented heatwave forecast on Tuesday, we're restricting some services on the Merseyrail network as a safety precaution.
"The predicted high temperatures could cause track temperatures to reach more than 50°C. When steel becomes very hot, it expands and rails can bend, flex and, in serious cases, buckle. These could lead to some trains being delayed, cancelled or stranded.
“In this extraordinary heat, rail passengers are being asked to only travel if absolutely necessary."
People who are still travelling are advised to take a soft drink or water. Merseyrail staff will be on hand to help passengers who may struggle with the heat.
Any passengers who are feeling unwell while on a train should get off at the next stop and request help from station staff. Water will be available at all staffed stations for passengers who are feeling unwell.