Services on Merseyrail‘s Kirkby line are being partially reinstated to a 30-minute frequency from next Monday, 14th August, with trains calling at all stations between Kirkby and Liverpool Central.

The change in service frequency follows six weeks of engineering work being carried out as part of preparations for a new station at Headbolt Lane. The two trains per hour service of trains between Kirkby and Liverpool Central will enable further driver training to take place before the new Headbolt Lane station opens.

In the new timetable the first train Mondays to Saturdays will depart from Kirkby for Liverpool Central at 05:41, and then at 11 and 41 minutes past each hour until 23:11, with a final train at 23:31.

From Liverpool Central to Kirkby the first service will depart at 06:05, and then at 5 and 35 minutes past each hour until 23:35, with a final service at 23:55.

On Sundays, the first train from Kirkby to Liverpool Central is at 08:11, and then at 11 and 41 minutes past each hour until 23:11, with a final service at 23:31.

From Liverpool Central to Kirkby the first service will be at 08:05 and then at 5 and 35 minutes past each hour until 23:35, with a final service at 23:55.

Merseyrail hopes that the driver training that has required the change to a half-hourly service frequency will last for around three weeks after which it is expected that a full timetabled service will resume. In the interim passengers should plan ahead and use the journey planner at merseyrail.org

Stephen Dodd, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail, said: “We’re pleased that this phase of the works has now been completed.  We are now able to begin the reintroduction of trains to Kirkby station, with a 30-minute service throughout the day.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period. We apologise for the disruption caused while work was carried out for the new Headbolt Lane station. A 15-minute service on the Kirkby line will be restored as soon as possible.”