Merseyrail - Paving the way for new trains
Work has been underway since Ocotber 2018 across the Merseyrail network in order to alter 100 platforms and realign the track at 58 stations. The work which has been split into 11 separate phases has meant that sections of the Merseyrail network have had to close completely for periods of between 2 and 3 weeks. This work is vital in order to allow step free access from the train to the platform when the new class 777 trains begin to enter service from next year. The class 777s which are being constructed by Stadler will utilise a sliding step, which Merseyrail says will provide “ unassisted access ” for passengers with reduced mobility. In order for the sliding step to work correctly the platforms at all 68 of Merseyrail's stations must be set at an exact position in relation to the rail. The first class 777s are currently going to Wildenrath in Germany for testing and it is hoped that the first units will arrive in Liverpool in the autumn. The units will then undergo testing o