People travelling between North Wales and Liverpool are now able to catch a direct train for the first time in more than 40 years.
The reopening of the Halton Curve line on Monday meant trains can now travel between Wrexham and Lime Street , also calling at Chester, Helsby, Frodsham, Runcorn and South Parkway en-route.
These services will run seven days a week, with future plans set to see even more trains connecting the two regions - possibly to Cardiff via Shrewsbury, and to Llandudno.
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It's hoped this move will mean 250,000 more journeys per year, and that congestion on routes such as the M56 and A55 is eased.
That's as well as helping Liverpool John Lennon Airport by opening up a wider catchment area.
The Halton Curve has created dozens of new jobs too, with the total 215 services a week set to be operated by Transport For Wales.
The initiative been carried out by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, along with Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Welsh Government and six North Wales councils.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "One of the Combined Authority's key priorities is the delivery of major improvements in connectivity for our area and this is an example of us achieving that through new links into North Wales and Cheshire.
“The Halton Curve is one of many ambitious rail schemes across the Liverpool City Region that have been delivered by the Combined Authority, working together in partnership with a number of organisations.
“This is only the start of realising the benefits that re-opening the Curve will bring and the future plans for services linking the city region with Cardiff and the North Wales coast can only benefit us further.”
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The scheme has also seen the reopening of a 1.5 mile stretch of track near Frodsham, which links services from Chester onto the West Coast mainline into Liverpool, with works completed by Network Rail.
The total cost of the project was £14.5m.
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It means hourly services from Chester to Lime Street, with two direct services per day from Wrexham General, and one direct from Liverpool to Wrexham.
John Irving, CEO of Liverpool Airport, said he was "delighted" areas such as North Wales and North West Cheshire, which have previously been "devoid" of links to the airport, will now have a rail link to South Parkway. He added: “The airport has been a supporter of this strategic rail improvement ever since it was first suggested."
Welsh Assembly Member Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “Each day thousands of commuters travel between North Wales and North West England meaning excellent rail connectivity is vital to the economy on both sides of the border.
“By providing 215 new services per week, we will strengthen links with our cross-border neighbours which will create important economic and social opportunities. Improving access will also provide a boost to our local communities and regional tourism sector, attracting more visitors to Wales.
“I’d like to thank all partners involved in this project and I look forward to continuing our close working relationship for the benefit of all rail users.”
Karla Telford, Network Rail project manager for the Halton Curve upgrade, added: "Improved rail links are vital to boost the local economy. It’s incredibly exciting to see the new hourly Liverpool to Chester services in operation and welcome the first direct service from North Wales to Liverpool in over 40 years.”
