MAJOR work to upgrade Merseyrail platforms will mean closures and replacement buses across Liverpool and Wirral starting on Christmas Eve.

The phased works began last month, and will see almost every station on the network close at some point to prepare platforms for the arrival of a new fleet of trains from 2020.

The first phase saw the line between Ormskirk and Walton close from October 20 to 28, with the line between Ormskirk and Old Roan still closed until November 9, and replacement buses laid on.

Phase 2 of the platform upgrade work will start on November 12, with the closure of Bank Hall station in the Kirkdale area.

But those hoping to catch a train into the city over Christmas may be dismayed to hear about the third phase of work.

That's because after the last service of the day on December 24, all stations on the Wirral Loop Line - James Street, Moorfields, Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central, as well as Conway Park, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square - will close. Birkenhead Central will be open for interchange only. All other services during the day on Christmas Eve will run as normal.

The closures are set to take place until New Year’s Day, and Merseyrail said rail replacement buses will run, with more information set to be released closer to the time.

Why is the work needed?

According to Merseyrail, the works are “vital” and need to happen to ensure that station platforms across its network are compatible with the new trains and their sliding step technology that will aim to provide unassisted access for all passengers.

This will mean that wheelchair users can board the train without a ramp and passengers with prams and cycles can get on and off the train with ease.

How many phases of work will there be?

There are 11 phases of work scheduled between October 2018 and June 2019. Merseyrail says information about each phase, rail replacement services and alternative travel options will be made available nearer the time.

Will there be compensation?

In short, no.

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.”

What are the phases of work?

This is the full programme of closures that are still to come:

  • Phase 1

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 journeys)

  • Phase 11

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