01.08.18
Liverpool Lime Street opens its doors after eight-week revamp
Liverpool Lime Street station has resumed services following its successful upgrade over the past eight weeks.
As part of the Great North Rail Project, which focussed on creating track and train improvements, around 3km of track has been upgraded and the track layout completely reorganised to enable more services to run through the station.
In addition, upgrades to signalling equipment and overhead line equipment have also been completed. This means signalling control has now been moved to the Manchester Rail Operating Centre, meaning faster decision-making on the railway to minimise delays.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s London North Western route managing director, said: “The transformation of Liverpool Lime Street is the station’s biggest upgrade since the 19th century.
“This vital upgrade is part of £340m of improvements across the Liverpool City Region and sits within the wider Great North Rail Project. This work will bring significant improvements for train customers for generations to come.”
The most notable change for passengers will be the station platforms: all platforms have been remodelled and resized to create space for longer trains and more passengers. Two new platforms, built last year, have also been commissioned.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “Passengers are at the very heart of every decision we make and this is just one part of a huge investment across the north. This includes £3bn on the TransPennine upgrade, all Northern and TransPennine Express trains being replaced or refurbished, more than £1bn in improvements on other parts of the northern network and up to £780m investment on the East Coast Main line.”
“Liverpool Lime Street passengers can now take advantage of new platforms, longer trains, more services and more seats thanks to this upgrade.”
Improvements at Lime Street were sorely needed: the station was shut for five days last year after a collapsed wall caused commuter chaos.
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region metro mayor, said: “These improvements will significantly improve services for rail users in the Liverpool City Region, and I’m pleased they have been completed on time.
“We really appreciate the patience shown by passengers over the last eight weeks and I’m sure they will be pleased by the improved and increased number of services that these upgrades will bring.”
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Image credit: Network Rail