Major work, which has seen the Manchester Metrolink line between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly closed since the start of June, is continuing with contractors set to move on to the next stage of work which will see traffic management measures introduced on Aytoun Street.
Work was scheduled to be completed in Piccadilly Gardens and Portland Street (which the tramway crosses when running between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station) on Thursday 17th July and following that it will move to the junction of Aytoun Street and Auburn Street from Saturday 19th July until the complete closure is due to end on Sunday 10th August.
During this new phase of work the following traffic management measures will be introduced:
- A section of Aytoun Street will be closed to all highway users
- A signed diversionary route will be in place along Minshull Street, Portland Street, Piccadilly, Gore Street, and Chatham Street
- The bus and taxi lanes on Portland Street will be temporarily suspended eastbound towards Newton Street so all traffic will be able to use that stretch of road while the works are carried out
- Chatham Street will temporarily become two way, with the no entry from Piccadilly lifted for the duration of the works. This will form part of the overall diversion and maintain local access to premises on Aytoun Street.
- Temporary two way access will also be allowed on parts of Aytoun Street and Auburn Street where there is usually only one way access
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “Work is progressing well on this major piece of our coordinated package of track replacement works and we thank everyone for their patience while these upgrades are carried out.
“Metrolink forms a key part of the Bee Network and is the largest light rail network in the country- with our trams carrying 46 million passenger journeys last year alone – playing a vital role in supporting growth and connecting people to jobs, education and leisure opportunities.
“With more people leaving the car at home and getting on board the Bee Network, it’s important we continually invest in the network to keep it safe, reliable and accessible for years to come.”
Changes to the tram service will remain in place throughout this next stage of works:
Until Friday 1st August
- Altrincham to Bury via Market Street
- Ashton-under-Lyne/Etihad Campus to Piccadilly Station
- Eccles to Victoria via MediaCityUK and Market Street
- Rochdale Town Centre/Shaw and Crompton to East Didsbury via Exchange S quare
- Manchester Airport to Victoria via Market Street
- The Trafford Centre to Deansgate-Castlefield
Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th August (with additional work taking place at Pomona and on the Eccles line):
- Altrincham to Bury via Market Street
- Ashton-under-Lyne/Etihad Campus to Piccadilly Station
- Rochdale Town Centre/Shaw and Crompton to East Didsbury via Exchange S quare
- Manchester Airport to Victoria via Market Street
- The Trafford Centre to Wharfside
More details of planned maintenance work on Metrolink can be read at https://tfgm.com/tram-improvement-works