Disruption is coming down the track for Merseyrail passengers because the Wirral line is undergoing a major revamp for the first time since 1977.

The first half of 2017 will see the laying of new concrete foundations that support the track on the route which runs between Chester and Liverpool known as the Wirral loop line.

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It will mean passengers having to use buses for part of their journey.

Funding is included in a £340m package of rail improvements across the Mersey area by Network Rail and Liverpool City Region to provide passengers with faster, more frequent and more reliable train services.

The Merseyrail service at Leasowe pictured in May 1977, just after it opened, showing the 1938 built trains in service then. Picture by John Murray

A Merseyrail spokesperson said: “It’s been nearly 40 years since Red Rum won his third Grand National and the loop line opened. Now it’s time for Network Rail to renew the track in order to maintain long-term efficiency and reliability for the next 60 years.

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“Over a six month period, Network Rail will renew the concrete foundations that support the track around the Wirral loop line. A comprehensive, phased programme is planned to reduce the impact this work has on your journey.”

Work will begin next January when, for six weeks, all Wirral line trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central. Rail replacement buses will run between Wirral and Liverpool stations.

The Merseyrail service during the undergound section at Moorfields, Liverpool, pictured in May 1977, just after it opened, showing the 1938 built trains in service then. Picture by John Murray

Then between February and May 2017, over a 15-week period, all Wirral line trains will start and terminate at James Street station from Monday to Friday.

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At weekends, all services will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central stations. Rail replacement buses will run between Wirral and Liverpool stations.

Finally, between May and June, over 20 days, all Wirral line trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central. Rail replacement buses will run between Wirral and Liverpool stations.