Network Rail finishes £3.5m Merseyrail tunnel waterproofing work

Merseyrail's Northern Line has fully reopened after Network Rail completed a £3.5m programme to strengthen and waterproof four underground tunnels in Liverpool. The structures carry trains beneath the city centre between Brunswick and Liverpool Central stations.

Trains resumed between Hunts Cross and Liverpool city centre on Saturday 7 November, for the first time in 27 days.

Specialist teams used modern waterproofing techniques to keep water out of the Victorian-built tunnels and to stop moisture interfering with the third rail system. Since Sunday 11 October, more than 50 workers have:

Power control systems were also modernised across the Northern and Wirral lines during four extended Sunday closures. Network Rail said this forms part of ongoing investment to make it easier to isolate and switch off sections of electrified rail, so engineers can maintain and fix unexpected faults quickly and safely in future.

Paul Owen, Network Rail Liverpool Area Director, said waterproofing and strengthening the tunnels protects the third-rail system that powers Merseyrail's electric trains.

Stephen Dodd, Merseyrail Chief Operating Officer, said the upgrades would "strengthen the long-term reliability of the Northern Line" and help reduce the risk of future disruption.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said a reliable rail network is vital for connecting the city region and supporting economic growth.

Separate track upgrade work at Mossley Hill was also due to affect main line services in and out of Liverpool Lime Street on Sunday 8 November.