MERSEYRAIL’S new station at Headbolt Lane opened for business on October 5, with trains operating from the previous terminating station, Kirkby. It is the first expansion of the Merseyrail in 29 years.
It means that for the first time since 1977, when the line was electrified and Kirkby station rebuilt, trains have run through Kirkby. It used to feature a long platform with a central buffer stop to segregate the electric services from Liverpool Central and diesel services from Wigan.
Initially, as part of a phased introduction, two services per hour will operate between Liverpool and Kirkby, with one of those trains going forward and terminating at Headbolt Lane.
Trains to Headbolt Lane will be operated by one of seven Class 777/1 variants, which are fitted with traction batteries. More services will be added until a 15-minute frequency service is in operation.
Construction of the new station began in October 2022 and outstanding works are being completed on a 270-space car park. The new station has developed at a cost of £80 million. It has been years in the making and will provide easier access to services for people in the Tower Hill and Northwood areas of the town, as well as making it more accessible to people from across Knowsley, Rainford and West Lancashire.