The Midland Railway opened the nearby Alexandra & Langton Docks Goods Station on 1st June 1885, served by the 2¼ mile Langton branch from Fazackerley North Junction on the Cheshire Lines Committee's North Liverpool extension line. Climbing at 1:80, the branch reached its summit after 600 yards before falling at 1:64 for one mile. This took the two tracks about 100 yards into the route's principal engineering work, the 484 yard Bootle Tunnel, thereafter the gradient eased to 1:400 as far as the tunnel's west end.

 

Known locally as the 'Half Miley' tunnel, the structure is divided longitudinally by a central pier, through which occasional access holes are cut. It is constructed entirely in engineering brick and incorporates a curve at both ends. Running below Marsh Lane for most of its length and built using cut and cover methods, the two-compartment approach was adopted in order to restrict height requirements. This allowed a section of low segmental arch to be inserted where the Leeds & Liverpool Canal passes over the top. Also accommodated was a tramway, which cut through the arch above springing level, and an access road, both associated with the adjacent gas works. The tramway has since been replaced by a footbridge. The tunnel structure remains in good condition although the floor is flooded throughout.

 

Much of the Langdon branch was taken out of use in 1968, the last train having run on 24th November. The section from the main line junction to the gas works siding survived for four more months. Tracks were lifted between June and August 1969.

The tunnel's western approach cutting has been backfilled although the portal's walls remains visible, towards the backfill is very flooded, The eastern end is in a cutting and enclosed on all sides with fencing across the entrances and is now very overgrown and flooded.

 

With the expansion on freight to Liverpool docks this tunnel and line may be used again and has been safeguarded since 1968.