Liverpool Street station lift to close for three months in major overhaul

Passengers using step-free access at Liverpool Street station are being warned to allow extra time for their journeys as the station's only passenger lift closes for a major refurbishment.The lift, which links the main concourse with the Elizabeth line and eastbound Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City line platforms, will shut from November 22 until mid-February 2027 as engineers carry out vital works.Network Rail said the works were needed to improve reliability after the lift, which has not been refurbished in almost 20 years.Passengers have previously complained amid a series of faults and breakdowns in recent years.The project will see engineers replace or refurbish hydraulic and control systems, clean the lift shaft, install new lighting and flooring, fit new customer control panels and add remote monitoring technology designed to spot faults before they cause major disruption.While the work is carried out, passengers will be directed to alternative step-free routes through the station and nearby Broadgate entrances. However, those requiring assistance have been advised to allow up to 30 minutes extra when changing between services.Some passengers may also choose to interchange at Stratford instead, where step-free access between National Rail, the Elizabeth line and London Underground services is available.The closure comes ahead of wider plans to redevelop Liverpool Street station, which include proposals for eight new lifts and an increase in escalators from four to 10.Sara Ashmore Barrios, Liverpool Street station manager, said the refurbishment was "vital work" that would help keep the lift operating for years to come.She added: "We're really sorry for the disruption this will cause to passengers who rely on the lift. Alternative options will be in place and our team will be on hand to help."Mark Evers, Transport for London's lead for customer insight, strategy and experience, apologised for the disruption and urged passengers to check before travelling and use alternative step-free routes where possible.The lift is expected to reopen in February 2027 following the completion of the works.