£3.5 million Merseyrail tunnel upgrades in Liverpool complete - as railway reopens
Mersyrail's Northern Line has fully reopened
Last updated 7th Nov 2026
Merseyrail's Northern Line has fully reopened after major engineering work to strengthen and waterproof four underground tunnels in Liverpool.
£3.5 million was invested by Network Rail into the structures so they can continue to safely take passengers under the city centre between Brunswick and Liverpool Central stations.
More than 50 workers have been working since Sunday 11th October, and they have: removed old concrete, drilled 6,500 holes in the tunnel walls, drilled 115 holes to direct water into drainage, and waterproofed the tunnel wall.
The railway is now fully reopened, with trains running between Hunt Cross and Liverpool city centre for the first time in 27 days.
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.”