In light of the extreme heat, Merseyrail has announced that train services have been canceled on the Kirkby line in Merseyside.
Due to the high temperatures and the Met Office’s red extreme heat warning, the operator stated that it will be providing a “severely curtailed service.”
Southport and Hunts Cross, New Brighton and West Kirby, Chester and Ellesmere Port, and other lines are also impacted.
The announcement coincides with Network Rail’s “do not travel” advice.
The UK is about to see its warmest day on record, with later highs of 42C (107.6F) predicted.
Merseyrail service modifications include:
- Kirkby line: No trains will run, and there won’t be any rail replacement buses, due to “several heat-related track issues.”
- There will be no rail replacement buses running on the New Brighton and West Kirby lines, and only a 15-minute frequency between Birkenhead North and Liverpool’s downtown.
- All trains on the Hunts Cross line will depart from and arrive at Liverpool South Parkway. Between Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross stations, rail replacement buses will run
- Line from Southport to Hunts Cross: A 15-minute service will be offered. Bank Hall, Hightown, Hall Road, and Hillside stations will only offer a 30-minute service, as part of a restricted service.
- The sole service on the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines will once more be a 15-minute frequency between Rock Ferry and Liverpool’s downtown. No rail substitute buses will operate.
According to Merseyrail, the Ormskirk line is operating normally.
Due to damage to the overhead wire from Monday’s extreme temperatures, Metrolink has canceled its tram service between Bury and Victoria. Additionally, Manchester to Crewe train services have been suspended out of an abundance of caution.
