A £4M project to install lifts and a new overbridge at Hooton Railway Station is under way.

The work, which will be carried out in three phases, is expected to be completed by May 2011.

The existing footbridge linking the platforms needs to be replaced but, in order for the station to operate normally during the work, the new lift shafts and overbridge will be built first.

Merseyrail managing director Bart Schmeink says the work will turn Hooton into a ‘flagship station’.

He said: “Hooton is going up in the world. With its new MtoGo shop and now the new overbridge and lifts, it’s fast becoming a flagship station for Merseyrail.”

Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, said: “We’ve now got one of the best rail networks in the country and we’ll continue with improvements to ensure it stays one of the best.”

During the work the railway tracks between platforms zero and one will be temporarily filled in with polystyrene blocks for two months so that workers and materials can easily reach the island platform.

Later this year cranes will be positioned either side of the railway tracks to lift the new overbridge into place before the lifts are put into place.

The third and final phase will be the demolition and removal of the existing footbridge.

The work is being carried out by J Murphy & Sons Ltd for Network Rail, in partnership with Merseytravel and Merseyrail, and is funded by the Department for Transport.

Network Rail route director Jo Kaye said: “Hooton is a significant park and ride interchange on the Merseyrail network and this scheme will make it truly accessible for everyone.”