Regular Merseyrail passengers on the Hunts Cross line are facing four weeks of disruption due to engineering works. All services running between Hunts Cross and Moorfields ceased operations today, Sunday, October 11, and will not return until Saturday, November 7.
The temporary disruption has been put down to essential engineering work by Network Rail. The £3.5m project will see engineers strengthen and waterproof four tunnels that bring Northern line services into Liverpool from the south.
Replacement bus service
A replacement bus service has been put in place while the upgrade is carried out. Train services will return to normal on Saturday, November 7.
In a statement, Network Rail said: "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."
"It’s also a vital freight corridor that serves the city’s ports and regional industries. By making this intervention, we will secure the long-term reliability of the route."
Impact on match travel
Everton FC has issued a travel warning to fans ahead of the Premier League home match against Chelsea on Saturday, October 17. In a statement shared to Everton FC's official website, the club provided a transport update which stated: "Everton supporters heading to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the Premier League game against Chelsea on Saturday 17 October (12.30pm BST) are advised of the following engineering works by Merseyrail."
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans travelling to Anfield for the Manchester City match today were urged to plan ahead. In a statement Liverpool FC said: "Merseyrail work begins Sunday and will affect match travel. Northern line services won't run between Hunts Cross and Liverpool city centre, while Wirral line services will terminate at James Street. Please allow extra time and plan ahead."
Passenger journey changes
On the Northern Line, Monday to Saturdays, replacement bus services will operate between Hunts Cross and Moorfields stations. Train services will run between Liverpool Central and Southport, Liverpool Central and Ormskirk, and Liverpool Central and Headbolt Lane.
On Sundays, replacement bus services will operate between Hunts Cross and Sandhills stations. Train services will run between Sandhills and Southport, Sandhills and Ormskirk, and Sandhills and Headbolt Lane.
On the Wirral Line on October 11 and October 18, services will terminate at James Street station. There will be no services calling at Moorfields, Lime Street or Liverpool Central. On October 25 and November 1, replacement bus services will operate between Birkenhead North and Moorfields, and Rock Ferry and Moorfields. Train services will run between Chester & Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry, and West Kirby & New Brighton and Birkenhead North.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journey before travelling using the Merseyrail website or Journey Planner.
Tap and go on replacement buses
Valid Merseyrail tickets will be accepted on all rail replacement bus services. Customers using Tap & Go should tap in and tap out at a station validator. If you forget to tap out, you can register on the MetroSmart website to add your missing tap and avoid an incomplete journey charge. Additional staff will be available across the network to help customers during the engineering works.
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. This upgrade follows similar improvements made in 2022 to High Neck Tunnel, another tunnel on the Northern Line’s southern approach to Liverpool Central station.
