The Manchester Metrolink line between Oldham Mumps and Rochdale Town Centre has been closed since the start of service on Wednesday 10th July owing to an issue with the track. News of the closure was made late on Tuesday 9th July and there is no date given for when things may return to normal.
The reason for the temporary emergency closure has been given as “land movement affecting the track between Derker and Shaw and Crompton”. Engineers will now carry out investigations to the track to decide what course of action is required to allow trams to return along the length of the line.
The Rochdale line was impacted earlier this year by the problems at Victoria which meant only half as many trams were able to operate and now just another couple of months on and there is another major change for travellers on the line.
To allow passengers to complete their journeys ticket acceptance has been put in place on the following bus service and rail services:
- Bus services 17, 57, 59, 81, 83, 84, 114, 149, 181, 182, 402, 403, 409, 411, 434, 435, 436. 450, 451, 455 and 471
- Northern rail services between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria
It is hoped that a dedicated tram replacement service will also be put into operation in due course.
Pete Sommers, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “The safety of our passengers, staff and the wider public is our absolute priority, which is why we have made these decisions. I understand this will be frustrating for passengers, and am sorry for the impact on people’s journeys. We will provide an update as soon as possible and I’d encourage people who usually travel in the area to check our app, website and social media channels for the latest information and advice.”