I recently read in the book "Woodside the Indian Summer vol1 I think" that there was a underground passage in the Cheshire Lines building that was used by the dockers and abattoir workers to allow them easier access to the station.
Does anyone have any more info or had possibly used it and can tell me where it was entered and left?
May have to get in touch with Merseyrail over this and see if there's any chance of taking a few pics providing there is such a passageway
The passageway goes from the underground lift lobby at Hamilton Square station to Shore Road, where the entrance is at the Woodside end of the Cheshire Lines Building. It was built for dock workers & is of a similar nature to the one still used at James Street. The tunnel is still maintained as an escape route.
Bob.
I Worked there for 2 years in 1990, when i first started on the Merseyrail, this was used to evacuate passengers if the lifts failed or an emergency.The walkway has a slope, but this was used as the flight of steps from the lower level to the booking hall around 60 plus are not suitable for disabled or wheelchair useage which is obvious.Emergency lighting is installed as well.
Yes, I remember using this tunnel on several occasions back in the '80s, when the lifts were out of action. My memory may be playing tricks, but it seemed steeper than the one at James Street, as it sloped straight up to street level, rather than having several flights of steps as the Water Street entrance in Liverpool does.
Dont be tempted to have a look through the doors though as they are alarmed,as one person found out one morning to my amusement.
If you want to the exit then they are very easy to find next to the renovated glass doors of the council building (big merseytravel duck yellow double doors).
I remember using it to have a nose when I was working there one night.
There is a disused booking office or ticket collectors booth right by the exit.