The summer of major trackworks on Manchester Metrolink is coming to an end with just a few days to go until the full network is opened again. For much of the last two months work has been taking place in Piccadilly Gardens and Aytoun Street, meaning that the Ashton route has been isolated from the rest of the network, but from Saturday 2nd August another line has also been severed from the depots – the Trafford Park line. This article features that line and its out-based trams.
Trackworks started at Pomona and on the Eccles line from Saturday 2nd August. Whilst the Eccles line has been completely suspended to allow work to take place, the Trafford Park line was still due to operate with a special service running just between Wharfside and the Trafford Centre.
To operate this service six trams were moved onto the line (with four needed to operate the daily service). These are 3079 (Bee Network advert), 3084, 3095 (appropriate as its in the Coronation Street Experience advert, which is passed by the Trafford Park line). 3105, 3142, and 3146. Spare trams are stabled at Wharfside.
All trackworks – including both those at Pomona and the Eccles line, as well as those which started in June in the city centre at Piccadilly Gardens and Aytoun Street – are due to be completed to allow a full service to resume from Monday 11th August 2025.
A bleak August day which looks more like November! 3142 is captured at Wharfside. The destination display tells everyone not to board as it is terminating there, similar to how trams ending at Piccadilly display.
3105 at Wharfside getting ready to depart for The Trafford Centre.
3084 is stabled as a spare tram at Wharfside as 3146 turns.
3095 in its Coronation Street Experience advert at Wharfside. (Photographs x4 by Reece Hughes, 4th August 2025)
Much better weather just a day later as 3146 is seen using the crossover at Wharfside.
3079 sits as a spare tram at Wharfside carrying the Bee Network advert. (Photographs x2 by Oliver Shenton, 5th August 2025)