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New station: Maghull North

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Class 170101

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furnessvale said:
When I was a per way engineer, an incidental advantage of a strike was the ability to get some engineering done.
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These days I guess that depends on the operator in question as some trains may run as a result of multiple operators using any given line.
 
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stuart100100

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Looks like they are using the strike today to carry on. Stop boards on the track just after maghull station. The line is closed all weekend as well

20180112_102754.jpg
 
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Skie

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With the incoming Merseyrail stock having a level floor and no gap, is the station being built with that in mind?
 
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Robert Carroll

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adrock1976 said:
Residents who reside next to operational railway lines who complain about works taking place reminds me of a scene in "The Germans" episode of Fawlty Towers where Mrs Richards who had a sea view room saw nothing but the sea.

The aforementioned script is below:
  • Basil Fawlty: Well, might I ask what you expected to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? The hanging gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically...
  • Mrs. Richards: Don't be ridiculous. I expect to be able to see the sea.
  • Basil Fawlty: You *can* see the sea. It's over there between the land and the sky.
  • Mrs. Richards: I'd need a telescope to see that.
  • Basil Fawlty: Well, might I suggest you move to a hotel closer to the sea.
    [sotto voice]
  • Basil Fawlty: Or preferably in it
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It wasn't the Germans episode, which was in the first series. Rather it was Communication Problems in the second series.

Back to the new station, May 2018 opening might be possible, but there seems to be a lot still to do.
 
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73001

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Absolutely huge crane here today lifting the footbridge in. The weather here has been excessively wet for days so it can't be pleasant working conditions if they're still doing earthworks etc.. May is still over 3 months away though so I can't see them being far out.
 
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PR1Berske

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Living my inner Paul Sidorczuk here, by checking which three letter codes are still available for "Maghull North"

The existing Maghull is MAG

Available codes include, but not limited to, MAH, MGH, MGL, MNO, and MHN.
 
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Ships

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Skie said:
With the incoming Merseyrail stock having a level floor and no gap, is the station being built with that in mind?
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It will be built to existing standards which the new stock is designed to work to.
 
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stuart100100

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Complaints from residents about the footbridge and lift shafts

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/two-monstrous-towers-appear-bottom-14211278

Two 'monstrous' towers appear at bottom of pensioner's garden
Andy Wells, 67, says he and his wife Susan are being forced out of their home of 42 years

Mr Wells told the ECHO that the towers "just seemed to appear" at the bottom of his garden last weekend.

He said: "The towers went up very quickly last weekend. They are the same height as our house and the view from our bedroom window has been ruined.

"Imagine trying to sell up with those two things there. Hardly a charming view is it. They are military-style watch towers and look like something out of world war two.

"I have been told that there are plans to cover the towers in bricks and then paint them black. They will be hideous.

"I think the value of our house has fallen by around 30% so far, and it could lose even more. But the point is that I don't want to move at this stage in my life."

Mr Wells that his home is often illuminated by floodlights as ground crews work through the night on the new station.

He said: "We moved into the house in 1976 a week before we got married in May.
"Obviously there was nothing in the plans then about it!

"The floodlights shine straight into our bedroom. They have this new type of heavy digger. Every time it moves, it lets out a ear-piercing sound.

"They are massive machines.

“My wife woke up the other night at around 4am and said: 'I can’t do this anymore. Let’s sell up'."

Mr Wells told the ECHO that his wife has recently received treatment for a tumour and that their lack of sleep had made life even more difficult.
He said: "We have both been suffering from sleep deprivation. Imagine trying to sleep with those diggers on the go.

"Sometimes they work through the night, or they will start up at around 4am. And when they start, you know about it.

"Fortunately, my wife recently got the all-clear from doctors - but we still have to live here.

"I know I will face the rest of my days staring out at those towers. Some of my neighbours have been reduced to tears.

"My wife and I are both at breaking point now."

Merseytravel's website says that Maghull North station will feature a staffed office, a pedestrian footbridge with disabled access, toilets, a 150-space car park and passenger-waiting facilities.

The £13m station is expected to open in May.

A Merseytravel spokesperson said: "We are aware of the concerns that have been raised by residents who live in close proximity to the new Maghull North station site.

"Due to the nature of the work that is being carried out in order to construct the new station, the only realistic and safe option is to carry out much of the work during the night when trains are not running.
"We do understand that this is a significant disruption to those residents and, after discussions with Sefton Council, it was agreed during the recent 12-day closure of the line that noisy works would not be undertaken between midnight and 6am.

"Both ourselves and Network Rail have kept in constant dialogue with the residents through a number of engagement channels, including public drop-in events and newsletters.
"We will continue this dialogue throughout the project and we would advise that any immediate concerns can be raised by calling Network Rail’s 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 4141 or for other issues, by emailing [email protected]."
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73001

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According to the local free paper, Merseytravel are offering up to £1000 per household to buy trees, fences or window blinds to "maintain their privacy". Although the railway has been there for a lot longer than the houses, the station is quite a big intrusion on these residents once it is built. You'd have thought that it might have been easier (although probably not cheaper) to just raise the sides of the footbridge and steps or even provide them in a covered form as at places like South Parkway. That way at least no one can see into your garden.
 
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KevinTurvey

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To me it does look a bit over engineered for the location. The lift shafts in particular. I would have thought provision for a smaller hydraulic lift would have been more appropriate for those actually in need of one.

However maybe I'm wrong and they do expect significant passenger numbers. I suppose the car park is good for anyone coming from the M58 and wanting to avoid the dreadful drive into Liverpool City Centre.

For pedestrians, a direct access to the road from the northbound platform would have been a nice touch for anyone heading towards Deyes Lane, and not having to double back.
 
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Arcadia77

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Merseytravel have confirmed today the first services will run from the station on Monday 18th June.

https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/abo...-confirmed-for-new-Maghull-North-station.aspx

June opening date confirmed for new Maghull North station

Residents of Maghull will benefit from better links to the local rail network from June 2018 after the opening date for the new station in the town was confirmed.

The first services, operated by Merseyrail, will run from the new Maghull North station from the morning of Monday 18thJune.
The opening date was confirmed as the first of several community projects involving local groups and schools was unveiled at the station site – artwork designed by local school children.

...

A number of other community projects are planned for the new station, including a time capsule prepared by a local school and display boards covering the history of the former nearby pioneering Moss Side Hospital.

Councillor Gordon Friel, Lead Member for Rail on Transport Committee of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “The new Maghull North station will be of huge benefit to local residents when it opens in June, giving more travel options while playing a big part in helping the on-going development of the area in the coming years.

“This fantastic art project involving local schools is a great example of the community getting involved and will help to bring a bit of colour to the new station site.

“There are a number of other community-based projects planned for the station and we would encourage local residents to get involved and give their support in the coming months.”

Andy Heath, Managing Director of Merseyrail said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming Maghull North station on to the Merseyrail network. These investments, including the new fleet project, are really enhancing rail services for local people.

“Maghull North will make our rail network much more accessible for those living nearby and it's great to see the station already becoming part of the community with the artwork that has been created by local schools.”

Rob Grey, Network Rail project manager for the scheme, said: “The new Maghull North station forms part of a massive £340m railway investment in the Liverpool City Region. This major investment is about boosting connectivity and capacity – making room for new, longer trains, with more space for passengers.

“It has been fantastic working with local schools to create the new artwork which will be enjoyed by Maghull North station passengers for decades to come. We look forward to future projects with the local community before the station officially opens in June this year.”

The new Maghull North station will be located just off School Lane next to the former Ashworth Hospital site, between the existing Maghull and Town Green stations on the Ormskirk branch of Merseyrail's Northern Line.

The station forms a key piece of infrastructure in the Sefton Local Plan, supporting local public transport demand from a nearby new housing development that will include 370 homes, with more homes planned for the area in the near future.

It also forms part of the wider £340m investment of rail improvements across the Liverpool City Region over the next three years, and sits within the wider Great North Rail Project to transform train travel across the North.

Facilities at the new station will include:-
  • Staffed station building and ticket office with passenger toilet.
  • Passenger waiting facilities on the platforms.
  • 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 and motorcycle parking facilities, as well as 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.
The £13m scheme is being funded through the Government's Local Growth Fund (LGF), Merseytravel and the Homes and Communities Association, which previously owned the land on which the station will be built. Network Rail is building the station, which will be operated by Merseyrail.

More details on the scheme can be found on the Merseytravel website at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/MaghullNorth
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stuart100100

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Took a few photos today while I was out with the dog. Lots of nice artwork from local schools has gone up on the fencing outside

20180324_175512.jpg 20180324_181642.jpg 20180324_181902.jpg 20180324_181907.jpg20180324_181927.jpg
 
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Arcadia77

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Looks like the resident who has the lift tower beyond the bottom of his garden fence is complaining again.

This time it's relating to the positioning - apparently it's 50cm out (though looks like Merseytravel and Network Rail dispute this by the quote in the article, suggesting it's the OS maps that are wrong). Even if it is out by that much, 50cm out in nearly 160m of platform is less than 0.3% difference - next to nothing!

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/fury-after-pensioner-told-monstrous-14637175

Fury after pensioner is told 'monstrous towers' at bottom of his garden are in the WRONG place

A pensioner said he was left furious after being told that two 28ft towers which ‘suddenly appeared’ at the bottom of his garden were built in the wrong place.

The towers, which contain lift shafts, form part of a footbridge at the new Maghull North Station.

Andy Wells, 67, who says that the towers looming over his property have ruined his life, was dealt a further blow when Sefton Council confirmed that there was a half a metre ‘discrepancy’ over where they should have been built.

Sefton Council said they expressed their ‘disappointment’ over the ‘non-compliance’ but chose not to demand a second planning application despite Network Rail’s failure to comply with the original plans.

Mr Wells said: “If this was an extension it would have to come down. You hear about people having to pull down new homes and extensions all the time because they have breached plans.

“But Sefton have said they will do nothing about this, probably because the towers are part of a £13.5m station. The letter says that the discrepancy is around 0.5m but I think its a meter.

“It does matter because these towers should be further away from my house.”

The letter to Mr Wells reads: “The discrepancy amounts to around 0.5 metres. Therefore, I am of the opinion that the tower’s position does not align with that envisaged by the approved plans having regard to the plotting of properties on Mersey Avenue.

“I consider that the tower is positioned sufficiently away from main rear elevations for there to be no adverse impact, as was explained previously to planning committee when the original application was granted.

“In the circumstances, I do not consider it expedient to invite a further planning application, though I would like to assure you that I have expressed my disappointment to Network Rail that the plan has not strictly been adhered to, in the light of wider public concern relating to the construction process. The Council does expect strict compliance with approved drawings and once non-compliance is established the implications must then be assessed very carefully.”

Mr Wells, who has lived on Mersey Avenue with his wife for 42 years, told the ECHO how the construction of the new station turned their lives upside down. He said that the couple suffered from sleep deprivation as diggers worked through the night.

Mr Wells told the ECHO how he was now thinking about moving house due to the towers and the on-going building work at the station, which is set to open next month. He said that the ‘military style towers’ suddenly appeared at the bottom of his garden in January and that the value of his home may have fallen by as much as 30%.

Mr Wells, who fears he will now spend his retirement staring at the towers, said: “Yes my wife and I are now thinking about moving. The towers are now covered in a dark brick, and they cast a long shadow over our garden and block the light.

“The building work has been a nightmare. There was a team of scaffold workers here recently. They were worked through the night with ratchet guns which were obviously very noisy. All you could hear was bang, bang, bang.

“There is often building work at weekend, through the night. They have floodlights and everything.

“I woke up one morning and there was a workman sat down having a cuppa staring straight at me.”

A Merseytravel and Network Rail spokesperson, said: “Maghull North station has been subject to a thorough design process. The position of the lift shaft has been planned using the nearby road bridge as a fixed datum point. The location of the constructed lift shaft is as planned to the stated distance from the bridge.

“The latest ordnance survey mapping has been overlaid onto the station design and used during public consultation. We understand that there is a slight discrepancy with the ordnance survey maps in relation to garden boundaries of Mersey Avenue properties, but they are largely accurate and have no material difference on the lift shaft position.

“We continue to work with Mersey Avenue residents in relation to the scheme, as we have throughout the works.”

A spokesman for Sefton Council told the ECHO that they had received a formal complaint about the location of the towers which was now being investigated.
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As I understand things, construction works approvals usually have a 'limit of deviation' that allows a little tolerance.

What's the betting that if the towers magically moved by 50cm overnight the gentleman would complain that they are in an even worse place!
 
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Ianno87

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Would it not just be cheaper to buy this bloke's house than demolish and rebuild the towers in the marginally more correct place?!
 
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furnessvale

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Ianno87 said:
Would it not just be cheaper to buy this bloke's house than demolish and rebuild the towers in the marginally more correct place?!
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You buy the house and then resell it to A.N.Other at perhaps a slight loss but he knows EXACTLY what he is buying and can have no complaints.
 
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David Emmott said:
'Andy Wells, 67, who says that the towers looming over his property have ruined his life,'

Doesn't look as if he ever had much of one if that's the case. Even Victor Meldrew had more sense of perspective.
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I can see what he's lost (a view out onto the West Lancashire plain - well, a housing estate built thereon) but equally he could as easily have lost that by a block of flats going up in the field opposite. And the presence of the station will increase his house's value substantially so he could always cash that in and move, though I guess that's a shock to someone who thought he had bought his "forever home".

The question raised upthread as to why hydraulic lifts couldn't have been used (which would have allowed about 8' to be lopped off the top of the towers as the mechanism goes at the bottom not the top) is a good one, though. It is all a bit "not in keeping", and had the railway not had its typical planning exemptions (or do they not cover this kind of thing?) I'm not all that sure it would have got planning permission in that exact form.
 
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Arcadia77 said:
Looks like the resident who has the lift tower beyond the bottom of his garden fence is complaining again.

This time it's relating to the positioning - apparently it's 50cm out (though looks like Merseytravel and Network Rail dispute this by the quote in the article, suggesting it's the OS maps that are wrong). Even if it is out by that much, 50cm out in nearly 160m of platform is less than 0.3% difference - next to nothing!

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/fury-after-pensioner-told-monstrous-14637175
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'Fence 50 cm Closer to Pain in the Backside's House' would have beeen a more accurate, but less eye-catching headline.

The Liverpool Echo: everything that's wrong with the modern media, in one convenient, tabloid-sized package.
 
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