The first phase of Liverpool Lime Street's upgrade programme is starting to take shape.

The station is set to fully reopen on Monday, 23 October following 23 days of transformation works.

Since 30 September, engineers have replaced almost 2,000 metres of track, redesigned and lengthened platforms and built two new ones (platforms 7 and 8).

A modern signalling system was installed during the first nine days of the work, allowing trains to run in and out of platforms 1 and 2 for the majority of the upgrade.

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

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

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."

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: "I am pleased that this phase of the project has gone well as we enter into the final weekend of works. This is an important investment in our railway and we are all set to progress to the next stages of this project that will deliver far reaching benefits for the City Region."

(LM/JP)