Merseyrail announce services on Kirkby line to be reinstated from next week

Services will be partially reinstated on the Kirkby line from Monday 14 August, with trains running every 30 minutes and calling at all stations between Kirkby and Liverpool Central.

The reintroduction follows a period of six weeks’ engineering work as part of the preparations for the new Merseyrail station at Headbolt Lane.

To allow further driver training ahead of the opening of the new station, the line between Kirkby and Liverpool Central will be served by two services per hour.

From Monday to Saturday, the first train will depart Kirkby for Liverpool Central at 05:41. Trains will then depart at 11 and 41 minutes past each hour until 23:11, after which the final service will run at 23:31.

The first train from Liverpool Central to Kirkby will depart at 06:05. Trains will then depart at 35 and 5 minutes past each hour until 23:35, after which the final service will run at 23:55.

On Sundays the first train from Kirkby to Liverpool Central will be at 08:11, followed by 08:41. Trains will then depart at 11 and 41 minutes past each hour until 23:11. A final service will run at 23:31.

The first train from Liverpool Central to Kirkby on Sundays will be at 08:05. Trains will then depart at 35 and 5 minutes past each hour until 23:35, after which the final service will run at 23:55.

The aim is to complete the further driver training to achieve full resumption of services as soon as possible, with the current expectation being that the half hourly timetable arrangement will be in place for around three weeks.

Stephen Dodd, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail, said:

“We’re pleased that this phase of the works has now been completed. We are now able to begin the reintroduction of trains to Kirkby station, with a 30-minute service throughout the day.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period. We apologise for the disruption caused while work was carried out for the new Headbolt Lane station. A 15-minute service on the Kirkby line will be restored as soon as possible.”

Passengers should use the journey planner at merseyrail.org before travelling to check their journey or speak to a member of staff at their nearest station.