KEY elements of the £19 million Warrington West Station scheme will be carried out next week as the project approaches its final stages.

The works taking place at the site of the new station in Chapelford – which is due to open in mid-2019 – includes the installation of a new station footbridge and stairwells, lift shafts to both platforms and the construction of new drainage systems.

To facilitate the works, the council and its contractor, Balfour Beatty, have arranged for machinery to be put in place between December 27 and 30.

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

Works on the rail tracks are also programmed to take place on December 28 and 29.

Once it is completed, transport chiefs say 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, the council’s executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, added: “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 project is benefitting from £4.2 million of the Government’s New Station Funding and £6.5 million from the Local Growth Deal.

The remaining £8.3 million will come from the council, as well as contributions from developers.

Concerns over Sankey for Penketh Station closing due to the arrival of Warrington West Station continue to be raised but the authority insists it remains committed to keeping the site open.

However, as reported in November, council chiefs have admitted they ‘reluctantly agreed’ for services at Sankey for Penketh Station to be cut to four trains per day as part of the development of Warrington West Station.

It said it was agreed as part of the current Northern rail franchise agreement, which came into force in 2016.