Merseyrail has apologised for disruption caused by a major engineering project as the ECHO was given rare access to the tunnels beneath Liverpool. Trains between Hunts Cross and Moorfields have been suspended until Saturday, November 7 while Network Rail carries out £3.5m of essential work to strengthen and waterproof four Victorian tunnels.
Engineers at work underground
The ECHO joined Network Rail and Merseyrail officials underground to see engineers removing old concrete with high-pressure water jets before applying a fresh coating. A road-rail vehicle was also seen transporting materials along the tracks.
The work is designed to prevent water leaks from damaging critical railway infrastructure, including the third rail that supplies power to trains.
Project on schedule
Helen Little, Network Rail's works delivery manager, said the project had been planned for nearly three years and remained on schedule. Chief operating officer Stephen Dodd said stations remained staffed throughout the disruption, with passengers able to buy tickets or use tap-and-go facilities.
He also praised collaboration between Merseyrail and Network Rail, which helped avoid including Liverpool Central in the closure plans. This means services on the Ormskirk and Southport lines can continue running as normal.
Efficiency and future reliability
Despite the inconvenience for Hunts Cross passengers, officials say completing the work in one extended period is more efficient than carrying out repairs during limited overnight closures. Network Rail remains confident the project will be completed by November 7, helping deliver a more reliable railway for the future.
