Merseyrail’s Northern Line has fully reopened following a major £3.5 million infrastructure investment by Network Rail to strengthen and waterproof four underground tunnels beneath Liverpool city centre.
The extensive programme of works was carried out between Brunswick and Liverpool Central stations, with specialist engineering teams using modern waterproofing techniques to protect the Victorian-era structures and improve the reliability of services across the network.
Since work began on 11 October, more than 50 engineers and specialist contractors have completed a significant package of tunnel improvements designed to prevent water ingress and protect the third-rail electrification system that powers Merseyrail's electric fleet.
Key achievements from the project include:
- Removal of 92m² of deteriorating concrete before the installation of new structural concrete.
- Drilling of 6,500 holes for waterproofing injection treatments.
- Installation of 115 weep holes to channel water into drainage systems.
- Waterproofing of 1,688m² of tunnel wall surfaces.
Alongside the tunnel works, engineers also modernised power control systems across both the Northern and Wirral lines during a series of extended Sunday possessions.
The upgraded electrical infrastructure forms part of Network Rail's wider programme to improve operational resilience by making it quicker and easier to isolate sections of electrified railway. This will enable maintenance teams to respond more efficiently to planned works and unexpected faults while maintaining safety.
Paul Owen, Network Rail Liverpool area director, said:
"I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we completed this major multi-million-pound investment into the Merseyrail network."
"Waterproofing and strengthening the tunnels means we can keep passengers moving smoothly by protecting the third-rail system which powers Merseyrail’s electric trains. It’s all part of our ongoing investment plan and commitment to run a reliable railway for the future and keep the city region moving.”
Stephen Dodd, Merseyrail chief operating officer, said:
"We’d like to thank our passengers for their patience while these essential improvements were completed."
"The upgrades will 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 to keeping our city region connected, getting people to work, education and leisure opportunities and supporting economic growth."
"This investment will help ensure the Northern Line continues to provide the dependable service that passengers expect, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been affected by the disruption while these important improvements were completed."
The investment is expected to deliver long-term reliability benefits for the millions of passengers who use the Merseyrail network every year, while safeguarding critical underground infrastructure that dates back to the Victorian era.
Image and Video Credits: Network Rail
