PLATFORMS 1 and 2 at Liverpool Lime Street station will close again for the final phase of the eight week transformation.

Part of an eight week programme to remodel station platforms and upgrade signalling, platforms 1 and 2 reopened on Monday, June 11 but will close again on Friday, July 13.

Services from theses platforms including Manchester Victoria and Wigan for connections to Preston, Blackpool, Yorkshire and the North East will now run from Liverpool South Parkway until Monday, July 30.

Network Rail’s London North Western route managing director Martin Frobisher said: “We have been working together for around three years to deliver a robust transport plan during Lime Street’s major upgrade.

"The aim has been to keep passengers on trains where possible to ensure Liverpool remains open for business.

“This vital upgrade is part of £340m of improvements across the Liverpool City Region and sits within the Great North Rail Project.

"We’re remodelling station platforms, making them wider and longer to make room for longer trains and more passengers. An extensive signalling upgrade will also allow us to run more trains, more reliably.

“We are grateful to passengers for bearing with us.

"We understand there’s some short term pain while we undertake this work, but promise it will be worthwhile in the long term.”

Passengers will be able to access Merseyrail lines into the city centre from Liverpool South Parkway and rail replacement buses will be on hand.

Work will also take place on Sunday, September 2 and Sunday, October 14 to complete further key upgrades outside of the summer works.

Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region said: “As we’re now in the final phase of the closure, please remember to double check your journeys before you travel as there may be some changes to the route.

"As always, a huge thank you to all passengers for their patience during these final few weeks."

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.

The upgrades will mean an extra three services can come in or out of Lime Street every hour including new direct services to Scotland.

Passengers are advised to continue to check the National Rail website before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk