Headbolt Lane Station

Headbolt Lane Station marks a major milestone in improving connectivity across Liverpool. The station is part of an £80m investment, extending the Merseyrail network for the first time in 30 years and introducing the UK’s first battery-powered trains. DYSE was appointed to provide detailed structural engineering design for critical elements of the station.

Headbolt Lane is located 1.3km northeast of Kirkby Station and will serve as a new interchange between Merseyrail and Northern Services, improving access to employment, education and leisure opportunities. The station includes three fully accessible platforms, a ticket office, waiting areas, a 300-space park-and-ride facility and a bus interchange. It sits at the heart of a strategy to deliver a London-style integrated transport system for the region which will prioritise sustainability and active travel links.

DYSE focused on the structural design of the steel frame connection. The challenge lay in delivering a design that could accommodate new platforms, a station building and two rail bridges, alongside live rail operations and with a controlled schedule. Our team developed efficient, code-compliant solutions for complex load paths, ensuring durability and easy fabrication. The design also considered how to future-proof or potential network extensions and integration with battery-powered rolling stock technology.

Precision and speed were much needed throughout this project. Working with Harrison’s Engineering we were able to clarify technical details early, using advanced modelling to validate load paths and optimise steel connections. By anticipating site issues and sequencing requirements, we helped maintain programme certainty and minimise disruption to rail operations.

Headbolt Lane Station opened in 2023, delivering a fully accessible, modern transport hub that serves Kirkby and the surrounding communities. Having this new station links Merseyrail and Northern Services and encourages more sustainable journeys. Designed to accommodate battery-powered trains, the infrastructure reduces carbon emissions and sets a precedent for greener rail expansion across the region.