The network is expected to be busier than normal
A Merseyrail train arriving at Sandhills
A Merseyrail train arriving at Sandhills(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
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There will be major changes to the Merseyrail network this weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday, December 5) will be a busy day in Merseyside as Everton face Nottingham Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with kick-off at 3pm.
There will also be a meeting at Aintree Racecourse tomorrow, with seven races planned for the William Hill Becher Chase Day. Gates will open at 10am. As a result, Merseyrail has said they expect the network to be busy and have made some changes to timetables and car parking as a result.
For fans travelling to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Sandhills is the closest station, approximately 15-minute walk. A 15-minute timetable will be in operation across the network before and after the match.
As is normal on matchdays, some temporary timetable changes will be in effect on the Southport line. As a result, between 2.45pm and 8.15pm, Liverpool-bound services will arrive and depart at different times to those of the usual timetable.
What will be different this time around is the state of Cressington station. Located in south Liverpool, it will be closed all day. Merseyrail says this will help it run the most efficient service possible, including more eight-car trains.
A rail replacement bus service will be running between Cressington and Liverpool South Parkway stations. Bus times can be found here.
Another significant change is that the car park at Aintree will be closed due to the race meeting.
For those who prefer to walk to the match, the Old Hall Street exit at Moorfields station will be open before and after the match. It is approximately a 25-minute walk to the stadium.
Like stations near other major football stadiums in the UK, Sandhills station will be very busy on matchdays. Merseyrail says it is encouraging fans to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and have alternative travel options in case of unexpected disruption.
To help fans queue safely and comfortably, a dedicated fan management zone will be in place at Sandhills station.
Merseyrail has asked supporters to follow any advice given by its staff.
Sandhills station has step-free access from the platform to the rest of the station via a lift. You can book assistance in advance by calling the Merseyrail customer services team on 0151 555 1111 or by speaking to a member of staff when you arrive at the dedicated fan management zone.
Everton FC offers an Accessible Shuttle Service for supporters travelling to and from the Hill Dickinson Stadium on matchdays.
The shuttle operates between Sandhills station and Boundary Street, approximately 175 metres from the stadium. This service runs pre-match and post-match, starting three hours before kick-off and continuing after the final whistle. It must be booked in advance and will not be available on a "turn up and go" basis.
You can book the shuttle service or find out more information here.