Merseyrail’s first, pre-rush hour services will run without passengers on all lines, on Friday 10 March, due to a Met Office issued weather warning for snow.

Third rail

A build up of snow on the powered third rail can preventing trains from making electrical contact and operating so to ensure the track is safe, the very first trains on each line will run empty.

In Sefton, this means:

• Southport line: 05:37 (Southport – Hunts Cross) starts at Sandhills at 06:21. The 05:59 (Sandhills – Southport) is cancelled.
• Hunts Cross line: 06:01 (Hunts Cross – Southport) will start at Liverpool Central at 06:24.

Disruption possible

Merseyrail hope to be able to run a full service following these cancellations, however some disruption is still possible. Anyone planning to travel tomorrow or over the weekend is strongly advised to check the Merseyrail website, app or social media channels before starting their journey.

Mitigation plans will be in place overnight and in the morning as Merseyrail takes steps to protect commuter services.

Tracks on the 75-mile Merseyrail network will be treated overnight to protect them from snow build-up, while station staff will ensure that platforms and car parks are well gritted, so they are safe for passengers.

Preventative measures

Greg Suligowski, Head of Customer Service at Merseyrail, said: “The Met Office weather warning for snow across the region, means that we need to take immediate preventative measures to ensure that we can start services at the earliest time possible tomorrow.

“Our teams will be working closely with colleagues from Network Rail both overnight and in the morning to get passenger services moving. However, further disruption beyond the cancellations announced is possible.

“We apologise for the disruption this will cause and would recommend anyone planning to travel tomorrow or over the weekend checks our social media channels, app or website for the latest advice before starting their journey.”

You can find out more from Merseyrail, here.