Manchester Metrolink services to Altrincham were suspended on Wednesday 8th May following “third party” overhead line damage at Old Trafford. The first reports of the problem were first made around 1230 with warnings that the service would remain disrupted at least until at least the evening.
Local reports suggest that the issue was a broken span wire which caused 3013’s pantograph to be damaged when it passed the scene in service. Later reports from TfGM stated that the damage was caused by a third party although no details of what happened to cause it have not been revealed (although there is construction work taking place alongside the tramway).
As a result of the damage Altrincham line services were suspended with no trams running between Altrincham and Piccadilly in either direction. Services which usually run between Bury and Altrincham were terminated short at Deansgate-Castlefield (the Bury to Piccadilly service still ran as planned).
Ticket acceptance was introduced on the 245, 255, 256, 263, 281 and 285 bus services as well as Northern Rail services between Altrincham and the city centre.