Key phase of Merseyside rail improvement work gets underway

This weekend saw work start on a key phase of essential improvement work on the Liverpool underground railway, with passengers in south Liverpool set to benefit from a more reliable railway.

New track in place

The work is part of a wider scheme to renew part of the track on the Northern line in the tunnel underneath the city centre. This is the same type of work that has been carried out on the curved parts of the Wirral line in recent years.

Almost 400 yards of track and approximately 130m3 of concrete will be ripped up, re-poured and re-laid. Replacing the concrete which should last for at least two decades completes this project, bringing better journeys for the people of Merseyside.

Work began on Saturday 24 July and will be completed on 27 August, in time for the Matthew Street Music festival.

Network Rail area general manager, Gary Openshaw said: “Following the renewal work, passengers will experience a smoother, quieter ride. The line will also require less maintenance in future, resulting in less disruption for passengers.

“Rail travel in the summer period is traditionally less busy so we are taking advantage of this quieter time to carry out essential improvement works on the underground railway.”

Bart Schmeink, Merseyrail’s managing director said: “I am sorry that our passengers in south Liverpool will be inconvenienced by these improvement works by Network Rail. But it is important that the track is in tip-top condition and although there is never a good time to close the line, the long term benefits will be worth the short term disruption.”

Merseyrail is proving replacement bus shuttle services between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central stations throughout the five week project. Train services will continue to operate between Liverpool Central and Southport/Ormskirk/Kirkby.

www.networkrail.co.uk