WORK is progressing on the new Chapelford train station.

Construction started earlier this year on the £19 million Warrington West Station

It will serve passengers wanting to travel to Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington.

Station operators Northern are obligated to serve the station with one semi-fast train and two stopping trains per hour, linking west Warrington directly with Liverpool, Warrington town centre, Birchwood and Manchester.

A council spokesman added: "Work is progressing well on site with our contractor taking advantage of a rail closure between 27 - 31 December to progress further work which will transform our view of the scheme."

Work to be completed during that period includes:

  • Installation of the new station footbridge and stairwells
  • Installation of lift shafts to both platforms
  • Construction of new and maintenance of existing track drainage
  • Completion works to platforms
  • Access scaffolding to footbridge and lift shafts

To facilitate the works, the council and its contractor Balfour Beatty have put in place a series of day time rail possessions with Network Rail between December 27 and 30 inclusive.

A large crane will be operating from the northern side, at the side of the new main station building.

It is also currently programmed to carry out overnight work to the rail tracks on December 28 and 29.

Once all of this work is completed, the council says there will be a 'reduced need' to undertake works during the night in the new year as the project starts to enter its final stages

Cllr Hans Mundry, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “The Warrington West programme is progressing well, and following these works, we will really see the new station taking shape.

"It’s great news for commuters in west Warrington, who can look forward to excellent links with Liverpool, Manchester, Warrington town centre and Birchwood.

“This is a key project for us, as we continue to invest in our transport infrastructure and ensure that Warrington is a well-connected, business-friendly borough. I’m delighted that these works remain on track.”

The new station, which is due to open in mid-2019, will include:

  • A building design based on an 'aircraft hangar’ to reflect local history
  • A staffed station to improve customer service and promote safety and security.
  • Three trains per hour will stop at the station, one limited stop and one stopper.
  • Cycle parking
  • Space for drop off and taxis and a large, secure pay and display car park with CCTV and lighting.

The project is benefiting from £4.2m of government New Station Funding, and £6.5m from the Local Growth Deal.

The remainder of the funding comes from Warrington Borough Council and developer contributions.