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Liverpool Lime Street reopens early following collapsed wall repairs

Liverpool Lime Street has reopened to trains today, 24 hours ahead of schedule, after a rail side section of trackside wall collapsed on Tuesday 28 February, blocking all four tracks leading in and out of the station.

Rubble on the tracks caused disruption for passengers last week as trains from East Midlands, Virgin, Northern, London Midland and TransPennine Express were unable to run their services into the station.

Network Rail engineers have since worked around the clock to clear around 200 tonnes of debris from the tracks, and have now announced that the station has resumed normal service.

Staff worked to a three-step plan to get trains back onto the tracks, by firstly removing 4,000 tonnes of material from the top of the deep cutting besides the railway before clearing the debris from the tracks in the cutting 10 metres below.

The final step involved repairing damage done to the railway – mainly overhead wires, signalling equipment and the tracks, a job that was completed yesterday.

Martin Frobisher, managing director of NR’s London North Western route, said: “I am thrilled to be able to get customers moving again in and out of Liverpool’s main station. Our orange army has worked tirelessly since the incident occurred.

“We’re really proud of them. We’re grateful for the teamwork and support of the train companies, and for the patience of both passengers and neighbouring residents and businesses.”

Network Rail also urged passengers to check for any further disruption before they travel.

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