Bromborough station gets refurbishment to make it fit for the future

Bromborough station on the Wirral is being improved for passengers as the region’s railway network evolves for the future.

Network Rail, Merseyrail and Merseytravel will be working together over the next six months to deliver the upgrades, including:

• Installing a new substation and cabling to provide power supply for future new trains*
• Refurbishing the station footbridge so it remains safe and reliable for years to come**
• Extending the station car park by approximately 50 spaces***

Passenger services will not be impacted during the work, but the station car park is now closed until November. It will then partially reopen until the upgrades are complete in Spring next year.

During the car park closure passengers are encouraged to cycle or walk to the station or use Eastham Rake Station car park and Spital as alternatives.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “We’ve worked closely with our colleagues at Merseyrail and Merseytravel to combine our improvement programmes at Bromborough station and minimise disruption to passengers as much as possible while we deliver them.

“This much-needed work will not only help bring the new trains onto the Merseyrail network, but will also improve the passenger experience through Bromborough station. This is another great example of the Great North Rail Project in action.”

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “The expansion of Bromborough car park and the refurbishment of the footbridge is a positive project that will benefit passengers that use this station on a regular basis, and allowing people to make their journey greener by swapping the car for the train.

“The power supply works are also another step towards bringing the new state-of-the-art trains onto our network, which will revolutionise the passenger experience across the Liverpool City Region.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said said: “These power supply works are critical to our new trains programme and we’re pleased to see that they are progressing well, even during this challenging period.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the Liverpool City Region and that makes driving forward with major projects like this more essential than ever. The new trains will be the backbone of our integrated public transport network and are a vital part of our plan to build back better in the city region.”

Meanwhile, passengers are asked to continue following Government guidance around the use of public transport.

Travellers should wear a face covering on train services and any replacement bus services.

However, some are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

*Powering the future

The power supply upgrade work is part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s half a billion-pound new trains programme.

New equipment and upgraded cabling is being installed to boost the power supply to power the new trains.

The upgrades are due to be completed in December this year.

Find out more about the new trains programme on the Merseytravel website: https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/train/new-trains/

**A complete footbridge makeover

The complete refurbishment of the station footbridge started on 27 July and will be completed in October.

This involves structural repairs and a new fit-out including internal cladding, windows, flooring and the roof. It will also be getting a fresh coat of paint throughout.

While the footbridge is closed, a temporary access has been built so passengers can still access both platforms.

***Car park expansion

Merseytravel is planning to start the work to extend the car park in the Autumn and is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2021.

It will see 50 more car park spaces and will include additional compliant disabled spaces, enhanced lighting, CCTV and fencing for security. Funding has been secured through the STEP (Sustainable Transport Enhancement Programme).

Passengers wanting to park and ride at Bromborough station are advised to use either Spital Station car park, which has just been increased in size, or Eastham Rake Station car park.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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