After a five-week closure to traffic, a new railway bridge has been installed over County Road at Kirkby in Merseyside.

The new-double track railway bridge is wider than the one it replaced, and is part of the £80m Headbolt Lane station scheme. It will enable track improvements to be carried out between the new station and the existing Kirkby station, and support Merseyrail’s services that will operate from the station as well as Northern services from Wigan and Manchester.

Current planning is that the new station will open to passengers in summer next year.

Headbolt Lane is set to become the first station to benefit from battery technology on the new trains for the Merseyrail network, by eliminating the requirement for a third rail beyond the existing Kirkby station.

The scheme is being delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in partnership with Knowsley Council, Network Rail, Merseyrail. and Northern, with funding for the scheme coming from the Transforming Cities Fund. It is also in line with Knowsley Council’s plans to improve transport access in the area for residents, workers, and visitors to Knowsley Business Park, which is one of Europe’s largest employment sites.

The new station plans include:

• Step-free access throughout the station;
• A bus interchange;
• Cycle parking;
• Links to active travel networks;
• Passenger waiting facilities and toilets;
• 300 park and ride spaces;
• Electric vehicle charging points.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for the patience shown by residents while these works were carried out to install the new rail bridge on County Road.

“The new bridge will help us deliver the station at Headbolt Lane and connect residents in the area to the local rail network for the first time, opening up opportunities to travel for education, work, and leisure.

“This is another step on our journey towards Mayor Steve Rotheram’s ambition of building a London-style transport system for our region, making getting around as quick, cheap, clean and reliable wherever you live.”

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said:

“The progress being made on Headbolt Lane is very encouraging and I know residents are excited at the prospect of a new station opening next year.

“It is something Kirkby residents have wanted for a long time. It will improve transport options for residents in the Tower Hill and Northwood areas, providing improved access to employment, including Knowsley Business Park, and education opportunities.”

Philippa Britton, principal programme sponsor at Network Rail, said:

“While work to build a new station at Headbolt Lane is ongoing, we are delighted to have installed a new railway bridge that enables the line from Kirkby to extend to the new Headbolt Lane station, helping transform the Merseyrail network.

“We recognise this important bridge work has caused some disruption in the local area. We are very grateful to residents and commuters for their patience and understand during this time.”