Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has set out its continuing programme of maintenance and improvements to its Metrolink system, and the disruption that the work will cause.
The Metrolink tram system is the UK’s largest light rail network, running along sixty-four miles of track between ninety-nine stops, and has carried more than seven hundred million passenger journeys since opening in 1992.
TfGM is tripling the volume of its maintenance, renewal and improvement work on the system over the coming year, and spending nearly £150m by 2027.
On the May Day public holiday on Monday (6 May), engineers will carry out work to reinstate a damaged crossing near Manchester Victoria station.
This follows work earlier this year to repair the impact of a broken rail on the Bury, Oldham and Ashton routes.
This summer, a larger programme of track upgrade works will take place in the city centre. The government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funds this programme
Bank holiday work at Victoria
Over the early May bank holiday weekend, work will take place to restore services between Victoria and Exchange Square. A six-minute peak service will run through to Shaw and Crompton in Oldham.
Full information about the work, including changes to the service and replacement buses is available on the TfGM website.
Improvement works this summer
This summer’s major track upgrade works at key locations in and around the city centre, including London Road, Shudehill and Piccadilly Gardens.
Replacement bus services will be provided to keep disruption to a minimum, together with signed diversions for pedestrians.
Roads will be closed at London Road and Shudehill, and signs will indicate diversions for drivers, which may increase journey times.
TfGM is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and avoid travelling at the busiest times (7-9am and 4-6pm weekdays) if possible.
Some bus services will be re-routed during the Metrolink work.
Details of disruption
- London Road
22 June to 9 July
Trams will not run between Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens.
London Road will be closed southbound between Store Street and Fairfield Street. - Shudehill
24 July to 7 August
Trams will not run between Piccadilly Gardens and Victoria or St Peter’s Square and Victoria.
Shudehill will be closed in both directions between Thomas Street and High Street. - Piccadilly Gardens (Phase 1)
4 August to 19 August
Trams will not run between Piccadilly Gardens and Victoria or St Peter’s Square and Victoria. - Piccadilly Gardens (Phase 2)
August to 17 September
Trams will not run between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square or between St Peter’s Square and Victoria.
These works will reduce access into Piccadilly Gardens bus station from Mosely Street, which may affect bus services and passengers.
Additional works
- Victoria: Further engineering work will take place at Victoria on Sunday 2 June.
- Altrincham Line: Provisionally, the line will close for engineering work between Sale and Brooklands on 30 June and 14 July. The line from Altrincham to Piccadilly may turn back at Trafford Bar.
Information is available on this web page.
“Metrolink has been serving Greater Manchester for over 30 years with thousands of journeys being made by tram every day of the week.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink
“As the biggest light rail system in the country, it’s hugely important that we keep investing in the network to ensure it remains a safe, reliable and accessible way to travel for years to come.
“Our plans are a big step to doing just that – and we will be doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, with replacement bus services and signed diversions for vehicles and pedestrians.
“While this essential work is ongoing, I would also encourage people to plan ahead and check our website for the latest travel information before setting off.”
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