A major programme of coordinated works to maintain and improve the Metrolink system – ensuring tram journeys in Greater Manchester remain safe, reliable and accessible – continues this summer.
Metrolink is the country’s largest light rail network with 99 stops across 64 miles of track, enabling more than 700 million journeys to be made since opening in 1992.
Over the next year maintenance, renewal and improvement work will triple across the network, with almost £150m being invested to maintain and upgrade the network through to 2027.
Following recent work on the Ashton and Rochdale and Oldham lines, work will take place to reinstate a damaged crossing near Manchester Victoria station on bank holiday Monday (May 6).
And this will be followed by a larger programme of track upgrade works in the city centre this summer. Funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, this is part of ongoing plans to keep passengers safe and the city-region moving.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “Metrolink has been serving Greater Manchester for over 30 years with thousands of journeys being made by tram every day of the week.
“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.”
Victoria engineering works
The next city centre engineering works will take place over the early May bank holiday weekend to restore services between Victoria and Exchange Square, with a six-minute peak service through to Shaw and Crompton in Oldham.
Further details – including changes to the service and replacement buses – can be found on the TfGM website.
Summer improvement works
This is a major programme of 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.
There will be road closures in place at London Road and Shudehill, with signed diversions in place for drivers. This could mean an increase in journey times and drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid travelling at the busiest times (7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm weekdays) where possible.
The works will also impact on some bus services, which will be rerouted while they are carried out.
- London Road
22 June to 9 July
No trams will run between Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens. London Road will be closed southbound between Store Street and Fairfield Street. - Shudehill
24 July to 7 August
No trams will 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
No trams will run between Piccadilly Gardens and Victoria or St Peter’s Square and Victoria. - Piccadilly Gardens (Phase 2)
August to 17 September
No trams will run between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square or between St Peter’s Square and Victoria.
These works will cut access into Piccadilly Gardens bus station from Mosely Street which could impact customers and bus services
Additional works
- Victoria – further engineering work at Victoria 2 June.
- Altrincham Line – engineering works between Sale and Brooklands
Single day closures have been provisionally planned for 30 June and 14 July.
Possible closure of line from Altrincham-Piccadilly with a turn-back at Trafford Bar.
Information can also be found at Tram improvement works | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Before making a journey, check the latest tram departure times and TfGM’s travel alerts hub for the latest information.
