Merseyrail Northern Line tunnel upgrade: Buses replace trains between Hunts Cross and Moorfields / Sandhills from Sunday 11 October to Friday 6 November 

Route(s) affected

Between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central / Sandhills / Ormskirk, between Liverpool Central and Sandhills / Southport / Ormskirk, and also between Sandhills and Headbolt Lane

Description

Engineering work is taking place between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central / Sandhills, closing various lines. Background information on the work can be found below.

Sunday 11 and 18 October:

All Northern line trains terminate at Sandhills. No trains run to Hunts Cross. All Wirral line trains run only as far as James St. Buses will run between Hunts Cross and Sandhills.

Sunday 25 October:

All Northern line trains terminate at Sandhills. No trains run to Hunts Cross. North Wirral trains run only as far as Birkenhead North and South Wirral trains run only as far as Rock Ferry. Buses run between Hunts Cross and Sandhills, Birkenhead North and Hamilton Square and between Rock Ferry and Hamilton Square.

Sunday 1 November:

All Northern line trains terminate at Sandhills. No trains run to Hunts Cross. North Wirral trains run only as far as Birkenhead North and South Wirral trains run only as far as Rock Ferry. Chester station blocked until 08:05, the first train will be replaced by a bus to Moorfields. Buses run between Hunts Cross and Sandhills, Birkenhead North and Hamilton Square and between Rock Ferry and Hamilton Square.

Monday to Saturday:

Buses will replace trains between Hunts Cross and Moorfields (not calling at Liverpool Central).

An amended train timetable will run between Liverpool Central / Sandhills and Southport / Ormskirk / Headbolt Lane.

Background information:

Network Rail are investing £3.5m to waterproof and strengthen four tunnels which bring Merseyrail Northern Line trains into Liverpool city centre from the south.

This will improve journey reliability for passengers by preventing water from entering the underground network, which can cause problems with the third rail electricity supply to trains.

To make the most of the same railway closure, work will be continuing on the ongoing modernisation of power control systems – to make it quicker and easier to turn on and off the electrified rail in future when scheduled maintenance is needed, or to fix unexpected faults.

If you wish to learn more about the details of these works, you can do so at Merseyrail's Northern Line tunnel upgrade page and on Network Rail's website page.

Check before you travel:

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.

Replacement bus travel advice:

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and drop-off location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.