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Mersey Tunnels users
encouraged to consider impact of track renewal works on journeys
MERSEY Tunnels users are being urged to
play their part in keeping the City Region moving during the Wirral Loop Line
track renewal works which start, from 3 January 2017.
Regular Tunnel users are being warned that the Birkenhead and Wallasey tunnels
are likely to be a lot busier for the 1st 6 weeks of the year, when there will
be no cross river rail services, and are advised to travel out of peak times
where possible or to allow more time for their journeys and plan in advance.
Meanwhile, rail users are being encouraged to stick to public transport;
express rail replacement services, existing cross river buses and the Mersey
Ferries to help keep the tunnels and surrounding routes flowing.
Merseytravel's figures show that an increase of just 10% on peak AM and PM
traffic flows in the tunnels would lead to significant levels of congestion.
That congestion would not only have an effect on existing tunnel users, but
would also slow down rail replacement and cross river bus services; key travel
alternatives during the works.
Advice for regular tunnel users:-
► Look to travel at non-peak times where possible and allow extra time for your
journey.
► Ensure that your car is winter-ready to avoid any potential breakdown in the
tunnels which would cause disruption and delays to all motorists
► If you don't have one already, apply for a Fast Tag. As well as saving you
money on each tunnel journey, it will assist in managing traffic flow through
the toll plazas.
► If you are a road haulier/delivery firm, discuss with businesses and
organisations that contract your services whether deliveries or pick-ups can be
rescheduled to avoid travel through the tunnels at peak periods.
Mersey Tunnels Control Centre will be monitoring traffic across the Mersey
Tunnels estate to proactively respond to all incidents to minimise the impact to
motorists.
Wayne Menzies, Chair of the Liverpool City Region's Major Events Transport Board
and Head of Rail at Merseytravel, said:- "Wirral line rail users will be
well aware of the impact the track renewal work will have on their journeys, but
regular tunnel users may not be aware that it's likely to have an impact on
their journeys too. Like rail users, they need to be prepared and to consider
their options.
Encouraging rail users to stick to public transport, and regular tunnel users to
consider when they travel, can help manage the flow of traffic through the
tunnels for everyone's benefit, including those on express rail replacement or
cross-river bus services."
'Live' journey times through the tunnels are available through
Merseytravel's travel updates and Wirral loop line track renewal,
online or through the
downloadable Merseytravel app. |
