Passengers are being advised about urgent repairs to Birkenhead North station’s lifts after they were damaged by water.
Heavy rain caused water to leak into the lift mechanisms during storms this winter.
It means the ground floor entrances and some of the mechanical equipment now need to be replaced.
Work will also take place to prevent future leaks – making step-free access at the station more reliable for passengers.
Each lift will take two weeks to fix, meaning:
- The lift serving platform 3 will be closed between Monday 15 and Friday 26 March
- The lift serving platforms 1 & 2 will be closed between Monday 29 and Friday 9 April
Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for buildings at Network Rail, said: “We thank passengers for their patience while we get the lifts at Birkenhead North back up to full working order after the extreme weather this winter.
“We know the work will inconvenience some passengers and I’d urge people to plan their journeys with Merseyrail while we carry out these urgent repairs to better protect the lifts from heavy rain and make them more reliable for passengers in future.”
During the lift closures, passengers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact the Merseyrail Passenger Assist team on 0151 555 1111.
Greg Suligowski, head of customer and stakeholder experience at Merseyrail, said: “During the recent poor weather conditions unfortunately our lifts at Birkenhead North have sustained damage.
“We are working closely with our partners at Network Rail to repair and improve the lifts. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate our passengers’ patience during this time.”
Train tickets will also be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free station – Conway Park – where onward travel can be arranged.
Meanwhile passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk while lockdown travel restrictions remain in place.
Photo credit: Network Rail
