As was mentioned in the recent article on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Transport Committee report this summer will see a number of closures on the Metrolink network to allow for maintenance works to take place. Starting off at the start of July on the Rochdale line more major works will also be taking place on the Eccles line, at Victoria and through Manchester City Centre as well.
The works currently scheduled are:
Sunday 4th July – Rochdale line
No trams between Freehold and Rochdale Town Centre
Monday 19th to Saturday 31st July – Eccles line
No trams between Eccles and Piccadilly
Saturday 31st July – no trams in Manchester City Centre
There will no trams through the city centre with services turning short as follows:
East Didsbury to Deansgate-Castlefield
Manchester Airport to Deansgate-Castlefield
Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield
Trafford Centre to Cornbrook
Ashton to Piccadilly
Rochdale to Monsall
Bury to Abraham Moss
There remain no trams on the Eccles line
Sunday 1st to Thursday 5th August – no trams between Piccadilly and Victoria
As with the previous day services will be turning short although to a slightly different pattern:
East Didsbury to Deansgate-Castlefield
Manchester Airport to Cornbrook
Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield
Trafford Centre to Wharfside
Ashton to Piccadilly
Eccles to Deansgate-Castlefield
Rochdale to Monsall
Bury to Abraham Moss
Friday 6th to Sunday 8th August – no services through Victoria
The following revised service pattern will operate:
East Didsbury to Exchange Square
Manchester Airport to Cornbrook
Altrincham to Piccadilly
Trafford Centre to Wharfside
Eccles to Ashton
Rochdale to Monsall
Bury to Abraham Moss
Sunday 14th to Sunday 15th August – City Centre and Ashton line
Further work in the city centre and on the Ashton line. The following service will operate:
East Didsbury to Deansgate-Castlefield
Manchester Airport to Cornbrook
Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield
Trafford Centre to Wharfside
Eccles to Deansgate-Castlefield
Rochdale to Monsall
Bury to Abraham Moss
No trams on the Ashton line
In addition from Wednesday 23rd June there have been platform changes at Victoria.
In all the above cases there will be replacement buses operating in the affected areas with more details on these to be confirmed on the TfGM website beforehand.
Stephen Rhodes, TfGM Customer Director, said: “We and our partners are investing in our roads and public transport infrastructure to ensure its continued safe, reliable and efficient operation. It’s really important that we maintain and improve our networks, because they are the foundations from which any future improvements and expansions will be made – which is important as we look to the future delivery of The Bee Network, a more integrated and accessible transport system for all Greater Manchester’s residents, workers and visitors. There is never a good time to close a road, stop or station, but the works taking place across the summer have been coordinated and timed to ensure the least amount of disruption. We are working closely with our partners to ensure replacement services are in place and making the right information available so that people can plan ahead. I’d encourage people to visit our travel information pages and keep an eye on our website and social channels for the latest information and advice.”