Passengers are being advised about urgent repairs to Wigan North Western station’s lifts after they were damaged by Storm Christoph.
Heavy rain leaked into the shafts and mechanisms in the January storm, closing both lifts to passengers.
To get them back in action as soon as possible, Network Rail engineers are building scaffolding to fix the roofs and stop bad weather getting in.
Major repairs can then take place to mend the mechanisms and make step-free access at the station more reliable for passengers.
The emergency repairs aim to get both lifts reopen by the end of April 2021.
Robert Ellams, senior asset engineer for Network Rail, said: “We thank passengers for their patience while we get the lifts at Wigan North Western 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 their train operator while we carry out these urgent repairs to better protect the lifts from heavy rain and make them more reliable for passengers in future.”
Lee Braham, Avanti West Coast station manager at Wigan North Western, said: “We are working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as urgent repairs to the lifts at Wigan North Western are carried out. Our teams are on hand to assist customers travelling to and from Wigan North Western but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey. We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail get the lifts back to full working order.”
During the lift closures, rail travellers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact their train operator’s Passenger Assistance team:
- Avanti West Coast’s Passenger Assist team – 08000 158 123
- Northern’s Passenger Assist team – 0800 138 5560
- TransPennine Express’ Passenger Assist team – 0800 107 2149
Until the lifts are brought back into action, tickets will be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free stations, where onward travel can be arranged.
For Avanti West Coast passengers this is Warrington Bank Quay or Preston stations.
Photo credit: Network Rail
