The Bury line of Metrolink will see a weeks closure this summer to contact the network up to the Oldham loop extension. Buses will replace Metrolink services between Crumpsall and Victoria between 31st July and 8th August.
Philip Purdy, Metrolink Director at GMPTE, said: “This work is an essential part of the network’s expansion, and can’t be done without closing part of the Bury line. We will, of course, be providing alternative means for passengers to travel between Bury and Victoria, and a full service will be restored when the work is complete.”
Trams will continue to run between Bury and Crumpsall with buses continuing the journey as far as Victoria Station where Metrolink services will continue as normal.
It is reported that holding the closure over a week, rather than on eight separate weekends, will save £100,000 on the cost of hiring in the replacement buses.
Of interest is that because the junction with the line is just to the south of the Queens Road Depot and as such the Depot will be severed from the entire Metrolink network to the south (i.e. into Manchester City Centre and beyond). This means any trams for the Altrincham and Eccles routes will have to be stabled at the new Trafford Depot for the duration of the work with all trams stabled there having their maintenance before the blockade.
Source: Manchester Evening News & GMITA