Transport for Greater Manchester have confirmed that works to repair the damage caused by the land movement near Derker, which has meant trams have been unable to run between Oldham Mumps and Rochdale Town Centre since 10th July, is now underway – although its expected to take up to five weeks for the work to be completed.
In a statement about the work, TfGM have said that the land movement has now slowed which is enabling detailed investigations and temporary works to get underway.
To allow trams to start running again a section of track has to be slewed into its original position and the overhead line poles will also need to be repaired. Its expected to take up to five weeks to complete this work, although TfGM are looking to see whether they can accelerate the work.
Detailed ground investigations are also taking place and these will establish whether further work to strengthen foundations beneath the track will be needed at a later date.
Pete Sommers, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “I’m sorry for the impact this is having, and will continue to have, on people’s journeys. We are working to get trams running through the area again, but this remains a complex and challenging issue and it could still be a few weeks before this happens. We will of course keep passengers updated and I’d encourage people to check our social media channels and website for the latest information and advice.”