LIVERPOOL Lime Street is set to reopen on Monday after the completion of the first phase of its major upgrade.

Since work began on September 30, as part of the Great North Rail Project, engineers have replaced almost 2,000m of track, redesigned and lengthened platforms and built two new ones (platforms 7 and 8).

Network Rail says the transformation will help provide passengers with more seats on more trains in and out of the city.

Sean Hyland, Network Rail’s senior project manager, said: “This investment is about increasing capacity at the station and improving the reliability of the network, preparing for the predicted doubling of passengers during peak periods within the next 25 years.

“Our engineers have worked day and night over the last three weeks to complete vital upgrades at Lime Street. Although the enhancements may not be obvious, they will contribute to improved journeys in and out of the station as part of the biggest upgrade to Lime Street station since the 19th century.”

Further work over Christmas 2017 and summer 2018 will include further signalling upgrades – including re-control to Manchester Rail Operating Centre – widening, lengthening and remodelling of platform 6 and installation of overhead line equipment.

Once complete in 2018, the work will enable an extra three services per hour in and out of Lime Street station, including new direct services to Scotland.

Network Rail adds that longer, better managed platforms will allow bigger trains, with more space for passengers, in and out of the station.