Merseyrail commuters are facing significant travel disruption this morning, September 17, 2025, due to two separate technical failures affecting both the Wirral and Northern lines. A power supply issue has impacted services running under the River Mersey, while a points failure has suspended trains on a key section of the Northern Line.
The operator has confirmed cancellations and alterations are in place, with a rail replacement bus service established to assist passengers on the Northern Line. Travellers are advised to check for live updates before beginning their journeys and to allow for considerable extra travel time.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral Line: Services are disrupted due to a power supply failure between James Street and Hamilton Square stations.
- Northern Line: A points failure has suspended all train services between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central.
- Alternative Travel: A rail replacement bus service is now operating between Moorfields and Hunts Cross to cover the suspended section.
- Passenger Advice: Commuters should expect delays and check the latest Merseyrail travel information before setting off.
Wirral Line Disruption: Power Supply Failure
The first issue reported by Merseyrail affects the Wirral Line, a critical link connecting the Wirral peninsula with Liverpool's city centre. The disruption is centered on the underground section between James Street station in Liverpool and Hamilton Square station in Birkenhead.
According to the operator, the cause is a power supply issue. This type of fault typically involves a problem with the electrified third rail, which provides the electricity necessary to power the trains. Without a consistent power supply, trains cannot operate safely through the affected area.
As a result, all services that pass through this section are subject to cancellations or alterations. This includes trains running to and from West Kirby, New Brighton, Chester, and Ellesmere Port. Passengers intending to use these services are likely to experience delays or last-minute changes to their scheduled train.
Understanding the Mersey Tunnel Section
The track between James Street and Hamilton Square runs through the Mersey Railway Tunnel, which first opened in 1886. It is one of the deepest and oldest underwater rail tunnels in the world. Due to its unique environment, maintenance and fault resolution can be more complex than on open-air sections of the network.
Merseyrail has not yet provided an estimated time for the resolution of the power supply problem. Engineers are reportedly on-site working to identify the exact cause of the failure and restore power to the line. Commuters are advised to monitor station announcement boards and the official Merseyrail social media channels for the most current information.
Northern Line Services Suspended Due to Points Failure
Compounding the travel difficulties this morning, a separate and unrelated incident has forced the suspension of services on the Northern Line. A points failure has occurred, halting all trains between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central stations.
This suspension affects a significant portion of the southern end of the Northern Line, impacting passengers from stations such as Liverpool South Parkway, Cressington, and St Michaels. The line is a major artery for commuters travelling into the city from south Liverpool.
What is a Points Failure?
A points failure is a fault with the mechanical system that moves sections of track, allowing trains to switch from one line to another. These points are essential for routing trains correctly. When they fail, trains can be stuck on a particular track or it can become unsafe for them to pass, necessitating a full suspension of service until the mechanism is repaired.
The operator confirmed the suspension shortly after the initial reports of issues on the Wirral Line. The timing of both faults during the morning peak travel period has maximized the impact on thousands of daily commuters.
Rail Replacement Buses in Operation
To mitigate the impact of the Northern Line suspension, Merseyrail has implemented a rail replacement bus service. These buses are scheduled to run between Moorfields station and Hunts Cross station in both directions, calling at or near all affected stations along the route.
Passengers should be aware that journeys on rail replacement buses will take significantly longer than the equivalent train journey. It is also important to note that buses may not be able to stop at the exact location of the train stations due to road layouts.
"A rail replacement bus service will run between Moorfields and Hunts Cross in both directions," a statement from the operator confirmed, urging passengers to plan accordingly.
There is currently no rail replacement service announced for the Wirral Line disruption, as some services are being altered rather than fully suspended. Passengers on this line are advised to listen for station announcements regarding their specific service.
Impact on Morning Commute and Passenger Advice
The dual failures have created a challenging situation for Merseyside's public transport network. The disruption coincides with the busiest time of day, when thousands of people rely on the train services to get to work, school, and appointments in Liverpool city centre and beyond.
Key interchange stations, such as Liverpool Central and Moorfields, are likely to be extremely busy as passengers seek information and alternative routes. Liverpool South Parkway, a major hub for airport and national rail connections, is also significantly affected by the Northern Line suspension.
Merseyrail has issued the following advice for all passengers:
- Check Before You Travel: Use the Merseyrail app, website, or social media for real-time service updates.
- Allow Extra Time: Journeys will take much longer than usual, especially for those using the rail replacement bus service.
- Consider Alternative Routes: Where possible, passengers may need to consider using local bus services or other forms of transport.
Engineers are working on both faults, but no timeframe has been given for when normal service will resume on either line. Liverpool News Today will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
