MERSEYRAIL customers will NOT get compensation for the upcoming station closures that are part of a huge programme of platform upgrades, it’s been revealed.

The extensive works are set to begin later this month and will see a total of 11 phases of work between now and June 2019 across the Wirral and Northern lines. It’s all in a bid to prepare the network for the arrival in 2020 of new, state-of-the-art trains 'that will transform how people travel.'

It’s being carried out by Merseytravel, Merseyrail and Network Rail, who say they have tried to minimise the duration of the works, as well as reduce disruption for passengers. They get underway on October 20.

According to Merseyrail, the closures will last between nine and 30 days, and during that time stations will either be closed with customers using rail replacement buses, or will take place without a closure – meaning passengers using alternative platforms.

Despite significant disruption, the firm has announced pass holders will NOT be offered compensation for the inconvenience caused, although annual railpass holders will be able to get a refund if they pay an administrative fee.

A statement in the FAQs section of the planned closures announcement said: “We realise this work is going to add time onto journeys for our customers and that this will inevitably cause some inconvenience, which is why we have worked hard with Merseytravel and Network Rail to develop a robust plan to minimise the impact of the works.

“We are confident that our rail replacement buses will provide a high quality service during the works and will keep people moving, therefore we won’t be offering compensation to annual pass holders. That being said, our usual compensation and refund process remains in place during this time frame.”

What will the works involve?

The works are being delivered by Network Rail, and have been described as 'vital.'

They will involve upgrading existing platforms and realigning tracks at 58 stations to ensure they are compatible with the new trains and their 'ground-breaking', sliding step technology that will provide unassisted access for everyone.

This means that wheelchair users will be able to board the train without a ramp, and passengers with prams and cycles can get on and off the train easily. Merseyrail said the technology represents a “pioneering approach for the UK”.

Wayne Menzies, Merseytravel’s head of rail, said: “We’ve got to complete these works. It’s really important that passengers know what’s happening so they can plan ahead and if we work together we can keep everyone moving and the city region will remain open for business.

“The new trains will transform how we travel and this project is about making this happen so although there will be some disruption it will be worth it in the end.”

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, added: “These works are vital to prepare our network for the arrival of the new state-of-the-art trains in 2020 and in particular the sliding step that will allow unassisted access for all our passengers. A lot of work has gone in to minimising disruption as much as possible while this work takes place and both high quality rail replacement buses and our staff will be available to help keep everyone moving.”

The work is also being done to ensure it doesn’t affect any major events over the network.

More detailed information will become available closer to each closure, so with Phase 1, which will affect stations between Ormskirk and Walton from October 20, here is what you need to know:

The following stations will be closed during Phase 1 of the work:

Ormskirk to Walton will be closed from October 20 to October 28. Rail replacement buses will run between Ormskirk and Sandhills during this time.

Ormskirk to Old Roan will be closed from October 29 to November 9. Rail replacement buses will run between Ormskirk and Aintree during this time.

Ticket offices at all Ormskirk line stations will still be staffed, and Northern (Arriva) trains will run from Ormskirk station as usual.

Full rail replacement bus timetables for Phase 1 can be found here.

During the entire programme of works, all passengers are asked to keep checking what’s happening and when, as some timetables may change. Merseyrail has also advised passengers to plan ahead, leave more time for your journey, and consider avoiding travelling at peak times.

This is the full programme of closures:

Phase 1

October 20 to 28: All stations closed from Ormskirk to Walton

October 29 to November 9: Stations closed from Ormskirk to Old Roan

Phase 2

November 12 to December 16: Closure of Bank Hall station (trains will run through without stopping)

Phase 3

December 24 to January 1 2019: Closure of Wirral loop line

Phase 4

January 5 to 13: Stations closed from Kirkby to Rice Lane

Phase 5

January 19 to 20 / 26 to 27: Liverpool Central to Hunts Cross closed

January 21 to 25: Brunswick to Hunts Cross closed

Phase 6

February 2 to 10: Southport to Hall Road closed

February 11 to 24: Formby to Bank Hall closed

Phase 7

March 2 to 22: Rock Ferry to Hooton closed

March 25 to April 2: Hooton to Chester closed

Phase 8

April 7 to 14: West Kirby to Birkenhead North closed

April 15 to 22: West Kirby to Bidston closed

Phase 9

April 27 to May 5: New Brighton to Birkenhead North closed

Phase 10

April 27 to June 15: Overpool station (station will remain open but there will be changes to journey)

Phase 11

May 11 to June 15: Green Lane station (as above)