Proposed new Maghull North station

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I am opening this thread, so that it will be available for project update postings to be made upon it.

 

[Gathursty]

I look forward to this opening very much as it is by far the nearest proposed station to me and as such I have a good chance of being able to buy the first ticket at the office there.

 

[8A Rail]

So it has been "signed off" to be actually built etc or still in the "project" stage and no commitment has yet to proceed? Just asking as the title suggests "proposed"? .

 

[M28361M]

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority agreed to commit funding to the scheme earlier this year. It is now expected to go to Sefton Council for planning approval in January 2017. If approved, construction will begin in August with opening in May 2018.

http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/maghullnorth is the web page for the project.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Going off the artist's impression in the link above, why is the station building, entrance and footbridge so distant from the platforms? Does something preclude them being built further away from the overbridge?

 

[8A Rail]

Going off the artist's impression in the link above, why is the station building, entrance and footbridge so distant from the platforms? Does something preclude them being built further away from the overbridge?

As the article states "Please note all images are for illustrative purposes only", so take what you see as just that and not "final" locations.

Thank you to "M28361M" for link too.

 

[Scouse77]

Going off the artist's impression in the link above, why is the station building, entrance and footbridge so distant from the platforms? Does something preclude them being built further away from the overbridge?

Possibly the "other" road bridge that exists in that location.

 

[WatcherZero]

It made me wonder if there was some new design guidance about how close the bottom of station steps should be to a platform edge.

Though it could also be a narrow site where by not taking extra land from gardens the alignment isn't wide enough for platforms and an overbridge nearer the bridge.

 

[flypie]

The Echo ran a story today about Lime Street upgrades with an add-on video from Network rail that poses more questions than it answers. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/heres-how-liverpool-lime-street-12378283

Network rail have a little AV out see here.
The video from Network rail talks about "the final phase of the Merseyrail loop will be completed" the diagram seem to show the Canda Dock branch/Inner Loop but not the loop line. The text that goes with the vid on Network railways website doesn't mention the loop. Clear as mud then.
There is also a direct line from Ormskirk to Warrington West!!!
That could be interpreted as the Edge Hill Link but the would be the northern line, not the loop. This Warrington West, is a new one though from the diagram it could be Warrington BQ low level, though why you would call it Warrington west it would rather illogical to terminate the Ditton line before Bank Quay though you could make it Warrington east by going on toward Lymm.
Either way, I have suggested it but I have never seen an official proposal for Merseyrail or Anywhere else. Unless it an extension from Ellesmere port but the diagram doesn't make sense at all then.

 

[flypie]

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority agreed to commit funding to the scheme earlier this year. It is now expected to go to Sefton Council for planning approval in January 2017. If approved, construction will begin in August with opening in May 2018.

http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/maghullnorth is the web page for the project.

There is also this plan from earlier in the month. http://moderngov.merseytravel.uk.net/documents/s18865/Presentation.pdf

 

[Bletchleyite]

The Echo ran a story today about Lime Street upgrades with an add-on video from Network rail that poses more questions than it answers. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/heres-how-liverpool-lime-street-12378283

I think it's just stylistic. The reference to the Loop is the renewal work, not any new construction.

 

[flypie]

I think it's just stylistic. The reference to the Loop is the renewal work, not any new construction.

Who knows.
What makes me suspicious about the loop line bit is that they put it after the Halton curve to Chester bit.

 

[mwmbwls]

I think it's just stylistic. The reference to the Loop is the renewal work, not any new construction.

Indeed so - the work was detailed in a press release published in October

Wirral Loop Line Track Renewal
Published on 10/10/2016

Wirral loop line track renewal January- June 2017:
Information now available to help you plan your journeys
Details of the transport options that will keep the Liverpool City Region moving during six months of work on Merseyrail’s Wirral line– including six weeks of full cross-river closure from 3rd January– are available from today (Monday 10th October).
Travellers are being encouraged to plan ahead, with businesses and organisations advised to think about what they may need to put in place to support staff and customers.
The key advice for Merseyrail users is to leave their cars at home and stick to express rail replacement bus services, or other public transport, to keep the Mersey Tunnels and surrounding routes moving.*
Network Rail will be replacing the most challenging sections of concrete based track in the ‘loop’ – originally laid in the 1970s, while making the most of the opportunity to carry out other work, including replacing conventional track under the riverbed.
Network Rail, Merseyrail and Merseytravel, have been working over many months, with local authorities, operators and other partners, to come up with a plan that balances the need to get essential and complex work done with the need to keep people moving and the city region ‘open for business’.
The work, which would also support a new Merseyrail fleet on the network from the early 2020s, is part of a £340m investment in the Liverpool City Region (LCR)’s rail network over the next three years (see notes to editors)
Details on the transport offer are available online (www.merseyrail.org/trackrenewal) with booklets soon to be available from rail stations.
•********** Rail replacement buses: High quality ‘express’ buses ready to ‘fill and go’ at peak times will run directly from Birkenhead Central and Birkenhead North to Moorfields and St George’s Hall, with return buses at least every 15 minutes. There will be additional services to ensure people can still catch early morning mainline trains. People who would normally use loop services (trains between James St, Moorfields, Lime St and Central) can use their rail tickets on the 10A bus to travel around the ‘loop’.
•********** Buses:* There are 14 existing cross-river bus services that run between Wirral/Chester and Liverpool. Services will be strengthened to accommodate existing and new customers.
•********** Mersey Ferries:* Offer a frequent cross-river service between Seacombe and Pier Head in peak times, with three services an hour, a journey time of 10 mins each way and free parking for 370 cars at Seacombe. Cross-river Merseyrail tickets/passes will be able to be used throughout the disruption. Ferries will be an option for cyclists as cycles can’t be carried on rail replacement buses.
•********** Special arrangements will be in place for those with disabilities with staff on hand to help. There is more information online at www.merseyrail.org/trackrenewal*
Much work is being undertaken to encourage people to play their part in keeping the transport network moving. While advice is primarily targeted at Merseyrail users, it is recognised that the transport network will be busier for everybody and that other travellers may want to consider their options too.
Key advice:
•********** Don’t take the car, use public transport: The Mersey Tunnels and surrounding routes can accommodate additional buses but they will not be able to cope with an increase in cars, especially at peak times. Congestion will increase journey times for everyone.*
•********** Avoid travelling at peak times where possible: If you work, speak to your employer about whether there is any flexibility in working times or times you could avoid travelling altogether. If you can, you may want to leave work later and make the most of restaurants, shops and other leisure activities on whatever side of the river you’re travelling home from.
•********** Leave more time for your journey: Whether you travel cross-river, within the rail network in Wirral, or usually make use of the underground rail ‘loop’ to get around the city centre, you will need more time for your journey to take account of the changes.
•********** Consider your options: Different ways of travelling may suit your needs depending on where you need to go and at what time.
*
Said Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, MD of Merseyrail:
“We appreciate that this work will bring significant disruption to passengers on the Wirral line, resulting in temporary changes to how they make their journeys. However, we have worked hard with our partners to ensure that the alternative travel arrangements we’ve put in place provide the most effective ways of keeping people moving around the city region.”
Terry Strickland, Area Director Network Rail said:
"The Wirral line track renewal is part of a £340 million investment in the railway of the Liverpool City Region.*
*
"After more than 40 years it is time to renew track on the loop line and river bed to maintain the safety and reliability of the network.
"Whilst underground we will also be undertaking maintenance jobs that will help boost the resilience of the network, limiting the need for further disruption in the future. We are supporting the work of Merseytravel and Merseyrail to keep the city region moving during this time and thank passengers in advance for their patience during the works."
Liam Robinson, Chair of the Merseytravel Committee:
“We have been clear from the start of the planning for these works that the City Region has to be kept moving and remain open for business.* This is the message that has also been echoed strongly by businesses and organisations on both sides of the river; it is non-negotiable.
“While the work will bring disruption and mean temporary changes to how people make their journeys we will, working together, make it as positive an experience as possible. We have to consider the end game and the significant benefits £340m investment in our rail network will bring.
Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Highways and Infrastructure, said:
"Investment in our transport network is always welcome and improvements to the City Region's rail infrastructure will play a major part in delivering our economic regeneration plans over the coming years.
"Wirral Council is aware of the inevitable disruption and inconvenience this repair work will cause to commuters in 2017 and wants to see the impact on the travelling public minimised as much as possible. We are working with Merseytravel and others to organise meetings with Wirral commuters and rail users to shape the best possible temporary transport solutions, so Wirral residents are well informed about their alternative travel to work options as early as possible."
Joe Anderson, Mayor Liverpool and Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:
“The renewal work to the Wirral line is necessary to keep the network running and safe.* Whilst it will be disruptive for passengers, there is a strong alternative transport option available to ensure people can still get around as they would do normally.
“I urge people to plan early and make the most of the travel information that is available from today, taking into consideration that they will need to leave more time for their journeys.
*
“Please bear with it, we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption during this time and be reassured that this work is part of a wider investment in the Liverpool City Region that will give us new services and stations by 2019.”
Said Jenny Stewart, Chief Executive of Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce:
“Businesses have a role to play in keeping the City Region moving during these works, whether it is looking at what they can do to accommodate the needs of staff and customers who may be affected, to what incentives can be offered to encourage people to still make those journeys.
“This £340m investment for our rail network is to be welcomed. As a City Region that is focused on growth we have to be accepting of short term disruption for long-term gain.”
Kevin Adderley Board Director, Wirral Chamber of Commerce said:
“We urge businesses to act early and use the resources that are available from today to communicate with staff and make a plan of action for the closure period. “
Said Wayne Menzies, Merseytravel’s Head of Rail and Chair of the Liverpool City Region Major Events Transport Board:
“We are taking an innovative collaborative City Region approach to these works, using structures and processes similar to those used in the Olympics and Commonwealth games. This is to ensure the City Region is both fully prepared before and during the works, that plans are robust and that, should there be any issues, they can be addressed as they happen.”
*
Notes:
•********** £340m will be invested in the Liverpool City Region’s rail network over the next three years– a combination of funding from Network Rail and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, via the Government’s Growth Deal fund and Merseytravel. For more information visit http://www.networkrail.co.uk/lcr/
•********** Understanding roles of the partners:
Network Rail:
-********** Own the rail infrastructure and are investing in it
-********** Will be carrying out the work (via appointed contractors)
Merseytravel:
-********** People’s champion: working with Merseyrail and Network Rail to ensure that robust, alternative, high quality alternative transport plans are in place for Merseyrail passengers and that those impacted indirectly on the wider transport network are considered.
-********** Liverpool City Region Major Events Transport Board lead; ensuring that partners are working in a co-ordinated way and that knock on impacts on the wider transport network can be addressed before and during the works
-********** Considering the assets it owns/manages- Mersey Ferries, Mersey Tunnels as part of the transport solution
Merseyrail:
-********** Rail Operator
-********** Lead for the transport plan for Merseyrail passengers

It is easy to forget that certain upgrade programmes of existing infrastructure can take longer and cost more than the more "enthusiastically" interesting "new" bits. The Wirral Loop is largely hidden from the eyes of the public because to them it's just a dark tunnel. The engineering challenges of maintaining such a structure are immense and therefore replacing 1970's infrastructure some 30 to 40 years later is no surprise. In the intervening period other newer tunnelled systems have been built - so incorporating the latest design of slab track under the Mersey is again no surprise.

 

[childwallblues]

I shall ask my friend who lives by the proposed station site what is the latest local news.

 

[stuart100100]

One of the councillors for the area has put a message on the local Facebook page saying the station was passed tonight at a planning committee meeting.

I live 5 minutes walk away from the site so will very handy when opened

 

[AntoniC]

And here is the proof !

Planning approval granted for new Maghull North station scheme

The development of a new station in Maghull has moved a step closer after planning permission was granted for the scheme at a Sefton Council planning committee meeting this week.



The planning committee approved plans for the new Maghull North station, which will be located just off School Lane, between the existing Maghull and Town Green stations on the Ormskirk branch of Merseyrail’s Northern Line.

The station is a key piece of infrastructure in the Sefton Local Plan, supporting demand from an adjacent new housing development which will include 370 homes, with more homes planned for the area in the near future. It will also offer relief for the existing station in the town.

The £13m scheme is being funded through the Government’s Local Growth Fund (LGF), Merseytravel and the Homes and Communities Association, which currently owns the land on which the station will be built. It will form part of the wider £340m investment by Network Rail and the Liverpool City Region in rail improvements over the next three years.

Facilities at the new station will include:-

Staffed station building and ticket office with passenger toilet.
Passenger waiting facilities on platform
Step-free access with lifts and a bridge to, from and between both platforms and the station building.
156-space car park with blue badge, motorcycle parking and cycle storage.
Pedestrian and cycle routes from School Lane and Park Lane to the station and bus stops on School Lane.
Future provision for electric vehicle charging points.
Work is due to start on site in August 2017, with the station opening planned for May 2018.

Cllr Gordon Friel, Merseytravel Deputy Chair and Lead Member for Rail said: “It’s great news that the new station development at Maghull North has been given planning approval as it will provide a real boost to the local community.

“It is another example of our Long Term Rail Strategy being put in to practice and will encourage more people to use public transport for both commuting to work and leisure activities.

“We look forward to working with our partners in Network Rail, Merseyrail and Sefton Council when the work to build the station gets underway later this year.”

Claire Rawson, Network Rail’s Project Sponsor said: “This station part of a £340 million investment in the railway of the Liverpool City Region and it will play a vital part in accommodating the growing number of passengers using the network now and in the future.”

Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Merseyrail’s managing director, said: “We welcome this decision by Sefton Council and look forward to serving and running the station as part of the Merseyrail network once it is completed.

“It will bring the benefits of quick, easy to use and good value local rail services to more residents, and provide them with good links into Liverpool and a variety of other destinations by rail.”

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for the new Maghull North station.

“It is vitally important that as our towns and communities grow there is sufficient infrastructure to support them.

“The new station is not only fantastic for the local economy but will further improve public transport capacity and connectivity across Sefton and the City Region.”

More information on the scheme can be found at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/maghullnorth

Source : Southport Online News
http://www.southport.gb.com/southpo...new_Maghull_North_station_scheme-55018233.htm

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

And here is the proof ! Planning approval granted for new Maghull North station scheme.
The development of a new station in Maghull has moved a step closer after planning permission was granted for the scheme at a Sefton Council planning committee meeting this week. The planning committee approved plans for the new Maghull North station, which will be located just off School Lane, between the existing Maghull and Town Green stations on the Ormskirk branch of Merseyrail’s Northern Line.


Work is due to start on site in August 2017, with the station opening planned for May 2018.

I am pleased that gives confirmation of my earlier view in the other thread called "Stations opening in 2017" that the opening of this station is not scheduled until 2018.

 

[childwallblues]

Excellent news. One of my friends who lives close to the proposed station site says that the local community is overjoyed.

 

[Gareth]

I wonder if the existing station will be renamed Maghull South.

You can see on Google Maps that the access road has already been built...

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.5166883,-2.917311,391m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en