Stretch of Wigan railway line to close this weekend for bridge improvements

Work is well underway to refurbish the bridge spanning Rainford Bypass (A570) in St Helens, as part of the Great North Rail Project.

The upgrade will make the bridge safe and reliable for rail passengers above and road users below for decades to come.

On the weekend of September 5-6, the work requires the section of railway between between Wigan Wallgate & Kirkby to be entirely closed.

This will affect passenger services run by Northern on Saturday 5 September. People will be kept on the move with replacement buses instead.

People planning to travel are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with the train operator to learn how their journey will be impacted.

Nathaly Oshodin, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “I’d urge passengers planning to travel on Saturday 5 September to think ahead so they know what to expect from their journey while the railway must be closed for this essential bridge work over the Rainford Bypass.

“We thank local people and passengers for their patience while we carry out this £2m renewal as part of the Great North Rail Project, securing the safety of motorists and rail passengers for decades to come.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The Great North Rail Project is making significant infrastructure improvements across the north of England and the latest work at Rainford is another great example of what is being done by the rail industry working in partnership.

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to our customers to a minimum while the vital work is carried out and are developing plans to make sure everyone can get where they need to be.”

Motorists are also reminded of the series of road closures on the A570 beneath the bridge, needed for the work to take place:

- Saturday 5 September to Monday 7 September.

- Saturday 12 September to Monday 14 September.

- Saturday 17 October to Monday 19 October.

- Saturday 24 October to Monday 26 October.

Lane closures will remain in place on Rainford Road between Mossborough Island and Lodge Lane/Bushy Lane until Monday 26 October 2020.

During the weekend closures, a road diversion will be in place and will be clearly signposted. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will remain open throughout the project's duration.

Work to refurbish the bridge will take place during a combination of day and night-time shifts. It includes waterproofing of the bridge deck, repainting the steel work, and renewing the track which runs over the bridge itself.

Network Rail has written to local people and is working closely with St Helens Council to minimise the disruption to all road users and residents.