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Trains on key Merseyrail line to be off for four weeks

A rail replacement bus service will be running due to planned works from Network Rail

[Services heading to Liverpool Central station will be affected]

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Services heading to Liverpool Central station will be affected(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Merseyrail trains in several parts of Liverpool will be off for nearly four weeks later this year due to major engineering works. Network Rail are carrying out the works.

A statement on Network Rail's website said its teams will be "strengthening and waterproofing four tunnels that bring trains into Liverpool from the south." As a result, there will be no trains running at all on the Northern Line between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross from Sunday, October 11 to Friday, November 6.

On Sundays in those four weeks, the closure will extend from Liverpool Central to Sandhills. Replacement buses will run between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central from Monday to Saturday and run between Hunts Cross and Sandhills on Sundays.

Amended train services will run between Liverpool Central and Southport, Ormskirk, and Headbolt Lane from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, amended train services will run between Sandhills and Southport, Ormskirk, and Headbolt Lane.

The Network Rail statement added: "We need to waterproof the tunnel linings to prevent water from entering the tunnel and affecting the 750V electrified third rail and disrupting train services.

"Engineers will complete 3.5m of upgrades to reduce risk of power failures, emergency restrictions on trains using the tunnels, and unplanned closures of Merseyrails network.

"Well also install track feeder switches that will give us remote control over power to specific sections of the railway. This will allow us to turn off the power quickly and in smaller sections so we can make track repairs faster, thereby reducing overall disruption for passengers."

On why it needs to carry out this work, Network Rail added: "These tunnels bring services from the south of the city and the city centre, via Liverpool Central one of the most used stations in the country. The station had over 14m entries and exits in 2024/2025.

"Its also a vital freight corridor that serves the citys ports and regional industries. By making this intervention, we will secure the long-term reliability of the route.

"These engineering works will keep the tunnels safe and reliable for passengers and freight operators, by preventing water ingress that could cause disruption in the future.

"By carrying out this work during a scheduled closure, we are managing disruption in a controlled way avoiding the risk of emergency or unplanned closures that would cause greater disruption at short notice.

"This upgrade follows similar improvements made in 2022 to High Neck Tunnel, another tunnel on the Northern Lines southern approach to Liverpool Central station."

Councillor Richard Clein, who represents Grassendale and Cressington for the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, warned local residents about the works last night.

In the email, seen by the ECHO, Cllr Clein said: Network Rail confirmed major engineering works on the Northern Line between Liverpool and Hunts Cross to enable much-needed infrastructure improvements.

This means that no trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross, and a rail replacement bus service will operate for Cressington and all stations in between.

I wanted to give you early notice so you can be prepared for any plans you may have during this period.

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