Merseyrail trains on the Hunts Cross line will be cancelled for four weeks due to major engineering works. All services running between Hunts Cross and Moorfields will cease operations on Sunday, October 11, and will not return until next month. A replacement bus service will be put in place while the Northern line tunnel is upgraded by Network Rail. Train services will return to normal on Saturday, November 7.
£3.5m tunnel upgrade
The temporary disruption has been put down to essential engineering work. The £3.5m project will see engineers strengthen and waterproof four tunnels that bring Northern line services into Liverpool from the south.
The work is designed to prevent water entering the tunnels and affecting the 750V electrified third rail, helping to reduce the risk of power failures, emergency speed restrictions, and unplanned closures across the network. New track feeder switches will also be installed. These will allow engineers to remotely isolate smaller sections of the railway, enabling faster repairs and reduced disruption for passengers.
Network Rail statement
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." "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 Line’s southern approach to Liverpool Central station.
How will my journey be affected?
Works will begin on the Northern line on Sunday, October 11, and continue for four weeks. Train services will return to normal on Saturday, November 7.
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.
Northern Line - 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.
Wirral Line - October 11 and October 18: Wirral line services will terminate at James Street station. There will be no services calling at Moorfields, Lime Street or Liverpool Central.
Wirral Line - 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.
Accessibility information
On October 11 and October 18, services to New Brighton and Ellesmere Port will call at platform 2 at James Street station. There is no lift access available to platform 2, so customers requiring step-free access are advised to travel to Hamilton Square and change there for a Chester or West Kirby service. If you need to connect with the Northern Line, an accessible bus service will operate between Hamilton Square and Moorfields every 30 minutes.
