LIVERPOOL Lime Street will be closed for eight weeks this summer as part of the final phase of uprade works.

Network Rail revealed their plans to keep commuters moving ahead of the closure between June 2 to July 28.

The major phase of work follows the 23-day upgrade completed in autumn last year and will include remodelling station platforms, bringing the two new platforms into use and completing signalling upgrades.

Main line services will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway where passengers will be able to access Merseyrail lines to the city centre.

Rail replacement buses will also be on hand to offer express and stopping options.

Work will also take place on Sunday, April 8 and Sunday, September 2 to complete further key upgrades outside of the summer works.

Network Rail’s London North Western route managing director Martin Frobisher said:  “This major upgrade, and the wider Great North Rail Project, is part of our commitment to transform rail travel in the Liverpool City Region and across the north of England.

“With passenger figures expected to double during peak periods by 2043, the work is vital to boost station capacity - making room for more frequent, longer trains, with more space for passengers.

“We cannot safely complete the majority of the work while the station is open so have carefully planned it, with our partners, to cause the least amount of disruption to passengers as possible.”

Lime Street’s transformation is a key part of the £340m railway investment in the Liverpool City Region, which sits within the Great North Rail Project.

Managing director at Merseyrail Andy Heath said: “Merseyrail will play a vital role in keeping the city region moving during this final stage, with our services being strengthened to carry passengers from further afield between Liverpool South Parkway and the city-centre.

“Key transport projects like Lime Street, a gateway to the city region, will ultimately boost the local economy, and we are keen to get behind them.”

For more information on journeys from Liverpool Lime Street visit www.networkrail.co.uk/lcr