Merseyrail services on the Northern Line in Liverpool will be suspended for nearly four weeks starting October 11, as Network Rail undertakes major engineering works. The closure will affect trains between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross until November 6.
Engineering works and replacement services
Network Rail said its teams will be "strengthening and waterproofing four tunnels that bring trains into Liverpool from the south." As a result, no trains will run on the Northern Line between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross from Sunday, October 11 to Friday, November 6. On Sundays during this period, the closure will extend from Liverpool Central to Sandhills.
Replacement buses will operate between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central from Monday to Saturday, and between Hunts Cross and Sandhills on Sundays. Amended train services will run between Liverpool Central and Southport, Ormskirk, and Headbolt Lane from Monday to Saturday, and between Sandhills and those destinations on Sundays.
Reason for the works
Network Rail explained: "We need to waterproof the tunnel linings to prevent water from entering the tunnel and affecting the 750V electrified third rail and disrupting train services." Engineers will complete £3.5m of upgrades to reduce the risk of power failures, emergency restrictions, and unplanned closures.
The statement added: "We'll also install 'track feeder switches' that will give us remote control over power to specific sections of the railway. This will allow us to turn off the power quickly and in smaller sections so we can make track repairs faster, thereby reducing overall disruption for passengers."
Importance of the route
These tunnels bring services from the south of the city to Liverpool Central, one of the most used stations in the country, with over 14 million entries and exits in 2024/2025. The route is also a vital freight corridor serving the city's ports and regional industries. Network Rail said the work will secure long-term reliability and prevent water ingress that could cause future disruption.
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.
Local warning
Councillor Richard Clein, representing Grassendale and Cressington for the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, warned residents in an email seen by the ECHO. He said: "Network Rail confirmed major engineering works on the Northern Line between Liverpool and Hunts Cross to enable much-needed infrastructure improvements. This means that no trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross, and a rail replacement bus service will operate for Cressington and all stations in between. I wanted to give you early notice so you can be prepared for any plans you may have during this period."
