Services throughout the Manchester Metrolink network were disrupted on Thursday 18th February after a minor derailment at Deansgate-Castlefield. Double unit 3019 and 3059 were the trams involved in the incident which saw the rear bogies of 3019 leaving the tracks as the pair departed from the stop towards the city centre.
From photos of the incident it appears that the two trams – led by 3019 – had departed the outer inbound platform when the rear bogie of 3019 left the tracks. Although only a relative minor derailment it did mean that the tracks from Deansgate-Castlefield towards the city centre were blocked while an investigation and rescue operation took place.
As a result the following service changes were made:
Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield
Ashton-under-Lyne to Piccadilly
East Didsbury to Deansgate-Castlefield
Eccles to Deansgate-Castlefield via MediaCityUK
Manchester Airport to Firswood
Rochdale Town Centre to Exchange Square
Bury services continued to run to Piccadilly
Metrolink tickets were being accepted on Northern Rail services between Deansgate and Piccadilly with the free bus service also available for ticket holders. The advice was also that some may find it easier to complete their journeys on foot. For those wishing to travel to and from the Airport service there was also ticket acceptance on the no. 86 bus.
It was expected that the disruption would continue until the end of Thursday 18th February.