Summer is the season for major track renewal on UK tramways it would appear as not only is taking place in Sheffield (as reported earlier this week) but also on the Manchester Metrolink system. The work on Metrolink is the final stage of major work on the Eccles line which has seen several other lengthy closures in the past few years to replace the track, much of which was installed when the line opened 22 years ago.
This phase of work is seeing 1.7km of rails replaced between Weaste and Eccles which has necessitated the closure of this section of line with replacement buses running from Weaste to Eccles via Ladywell. Trams are running as normal from Ashton to Weaste via MediaCityUK at the usual frequencies. Upon arrival at Weaste they are using the normal Eccles bound platform being then using the rarely used crossover upon departure to regain the correct track for their journey back towards Manchester.
Starting on Saturday 15th July it is scheduled to continue until Thursday 21st September. TfGM have stated that they looked at delaying the work for future years but it was decided that it needed to happen now and that summer and early autumn was chosen to try and reduce disruption.
Having waited its departure time 3067 departs from Weaste via the sprung emergency crossover which under normal circumstances is rarely used.
3128 also demonstrates this rare move as its seen leaving Weaste outbound platform and crossing over to the inbound line at the start of its trip to Ashton.
This photograph shows the emergency crossover at Weaste with its point position indicator displaying that it is set for the crossover move.
West of Weaste stop this view shows the first of two worksites which were being progressed on the day the photographer visited. The new rails have been installed and the concrete between them is being prepared to receive final surfacing.
At the second worksite further west work is in progress at the joints between the new and existing rails.
A further view of the newly installed rails at the western end of the worksite. The renewal includes a revised method of interfacing the rails with the road surface to reduce the likelihood of the deterioration experienced with the original 1999 track.
Back at the first worksite surfacing is now being applied to the track. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde, 25th July 2023)