Network Rail has confirmed that the £3.5m project to strengthen and waterproof four Victorian tunnels on the Merseyrail Hunts Cross line is running on time and will be completed this week as intended, bringing an end to nearly four weeks of rail replacement buses for commuters in south Liverpool.
The major disruption has affected anyone using the Hunts Cross line to get in and out of Liverpool city centre. The work is designed to prevent water leaks from damaging critical railway infrastructure, including the third rail that supplies power to trains.
Project Completion Expected This Week
It was originally stated that the works would be finished on Friday, November 6, with trains running again on the Hunts Cross line on Saturday, November 7. Network Rail confirmed the work is all progressing on time and has gone well.
While there is good news for rail users on one part of the network, there is more disruption expected elsewhere.
Lime Street Services Affected on Sunday
Network Rail has warned rail passengers to check before they travel in and out of Liverpool on Sunday as most overground train services at Lime Street Station will be affected by track maintenance in the Mossley Hill area.
The work will see track foundation stone, known as ballast, being strengthened and secured by specialist tamping trains. In order for the improvements to safely take place, no passenger services can travel through Mossley Hill, a key approach to the North West's second busiest station.
It means very few trains will serve Lime Street on Sunday with many operators terminating at other stations. Passengers affected will still be able to access Liverpool city centre by rail replacement bus or by using the Merseyrail network. People are being urged to check nationalrail.co.uk so they know what to expect and can allow extra time to travel.
Network Rail Urges Passengers to Plan Ahead
Paul Owen, Network Rail's area director for Liverpool, said: "With less than a week until these essential railway improvements take place, we're encouraging passengers to check National Rail Enquiries in advance and understand how services will be affected this Sunday."
He added: "We know there is never an ideal time to close the railway, so I'd like to thank people for their patience while we make these important improvements at Mossley Hill. We're working closely with train operators and Merseyrail to provide alternative travel options and get people to where they need to be."
