Merseyrail's Hunts Cross line has fully reopened after four weeks of disruption. The Northern Line has been closed while major engineering works were carried out on four underground tunnels across the city.
Since Sunday, October 11, all train services running between Hunts Cross and Liverpool city centre were cancelled while Network Rail spent £3.5m strengthening and waterproofing the tunnels so they can continue to safely take passengers under the city centre between Brunswick and Liverpool Central stations.
Specialist waterproofing techniques
Specialist teams used 21st-century techniques to prevent water from entering the Victorian-built tunnels and stop moisture from interfering with the 'third rail' system, which powers trains.
More than 50 workers removed 92m² of old concrete ahead of new concrete being applied, drilled 6,500 holes in the tunnel walls for waterproofing injections, drilled 115 holes in the tunnel walls to direct water into drainage weep holes, and waterproofed 1,688m² of tunnel wall.
Full reopening and passenger thanks
Today (Saturday, November 7), Network Rail fully reopened the railway, with trains running between Hunts Cross and Liverpool city centre for the first time in 27 days.
Paul Owen, Network Rail Liverpool area director, said: "I'd like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we completed this major multi-million-pound investment into the Merseyrail network."
"Waterproofing and strengthening the tunnels means we can keep passengers moving smoothly by protecting the third-rail system which powers Merseyrail's electric trains," he added.
While works were carried out, a rail replacement bus service was in operation between Hunts Cross and Moorfields stations.
Ongoing investment and future work
Stephen Dodd, Merseyrail chief operating officer, said: "We'd like to thank our passengers for their patience while these essential improvements were completed."
"The upgrades will strengthen the long-term reliability of the Northern Line and help reduce the risk of future disruption," he added.
Alongside the strengthening and waterproofing work, power control systems were modernised across the Northern and Wirral lines during four extended Sunday closures. That is part of an ongoing investment to make it easier to isolate and switch off sections of electrified rail, allowing engineers to quickly and safely maintain and fix unexpected faults in the future.
Meanwhile, passengers are reminded of separate work to upgrade the track at Mossley Hill, which will affect mainline train journeys to and from Liverpool Lime Street station tomorrow (Sunday, November 8).
