RAIL passengers who may travel through Liverpool Lime Street this weekend are being urged to plan ahead of vital upgrade works.

On Sunday, September 2, remaining track and platform work will take place to help bring the new platform 1 and extended platform 2 back into full passenger use by October.

These works will mean main rail lines are closed and is part of a planned programme of work for Lime Street station's transformation.

New longer and wider platforms and a state-of-the-art signalling system have already been introduced.

On Sunday mainline services will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway and passengers will be able to travel in and out of Liverpool city centre by using the Merseyrail network.

Marcus Barnes, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Our remaining upgrades this Sunday are part of an eighteen-month programme of work to transform Liverpool Lime Street, as part of the Great North Rail Project.

“Remodelled, longer, wider platforms mean more room for longer trains and more passengers.

"A new improved signalling system also allows us to run more trains, more reliably.

“I’d like to sincerely thank passengers for bearing with us as we deliver Liverpool Lime Street’s biggest upgrade since the 19th century.”

Liverpool Lime Street’s upgrade works will be fully complete by October this year. The final stage of work will take place on the morning of Sunday, October 14.

Transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Liam Robinson said: "These improvements are a major part of our Long Term Rail Strategy being put into practice and will help to meet the increasing demand for services from the station.

“While the majority of the works were done during the major closures, these smaller closures are vital to get the full benefit of the upgrade at Lime Street.

"We'd like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this closure and look forwarding to them seeing the benefits that this upgrade will bring."

Lime Street’s transformation is a key part of the £340m railway investment in the Liverpool City Region, which sits within the Great North Rail Project.

The upgrades will mean an extra three services can come in or out of Lime Street every hour including new direct services to Scotland.

Passengers are urged to check the National Rail website before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk