The Merseyrail network is a key transport infrastructure in Liverpool and its surrounding environs.
The network operates on the Wirral and Northern Lines within Merseyside and has an excellent reputation for being one of the most reliable railway networks throughout the UK.
Merseryrail runs more than 800 trains each day, carrying over 100,000 passengers every week day. The service operates from 66 different stations and runs across 75 route miles of track.
Keen to remain at the forefront of customer service, new facilities have been installed at the network’s Birkenhead North Station – via two phases – in order to improve access for all passengers. The Birkenhead North Station project was delivered by Merseyrail with British-based construction specialist Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor.
New facilities at Birkenhead North Station include a link span bridge with ramped access – which replaces a former bridge at the station. The new bridge is linked to the station’s 274 space car park, which was installed in 2012 as part of the first phase of works at the site.
Phase One of the project included the new car park, with Blue Badge parking, along with the installation of a CCTV system, lighting and fencing. Phase Two of the project included the installation of the new bridge, along with a new set of lifts.
To mark the completion of the new bridge and associated facilities an official ceremony took place in June 2014. The event was attended by members of the local community and saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to celebrate the occasion.
Transport Minister, Baroness Kramer, said:
“Improving access and providing step-free routes will really make a difference to passengers’ journeys from Birkenhead and across the Merseyrail network. It opens up access to work and leisure for more passengers, all of which help secure the UK’s long-term economic growth.”
Birkenhead North is a very popular station on the Merseyrail network and accommodates more than 800,000 passengers each year. The station provides an interchange for services to Liverpool, New Brighton and West Kirby and sits within an area of regeneration.
Funding for the Birkenhead North Station project was provided by the Department for Transport’s (DfL) Access for All scheme, as well as Merseytravel and Network Rail. The Access for All scheme is a significant programme which has been designed to improve accessibility across train stations nationwide.
The completion of the Birkenhead North project is another important milestone for Merseyrail, following an announcement earlier this year that the operator had retained its position as the number one rail company for customer satisfaction. This is the third time that Merseyrail has secured this achievement, following a score of 93% in the National Rail Passenger Survey.
Chair or Merseytravel, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:
“It’s great that once again Merseyrail has received national recognition for the quality of service it is providing. It is a great demonstration of what a locally managed service can achieve. We are always making sure that we don’t rest on our laurels, and the fact that the approval scores have remained consistently high since the last survey shows how we are continuing to work together to find ways to improve the service for customers.”
In addition to the recent works at Birkenhead North Station, improvement works are also taking place at Formby and Liverpool Central Station. The works are designed to improve access for passengers, ensuring an easier commute for all who use the network.
For more information about Merseyrail and its services, please visit: www.merseyrail.org.
