As we approach the final stages of the major Manchester Metrolink city centre closure to allow for rail replacement to take place on the original city crossing its time in this article to take another look at recent progress. Work has now been finished at Shudehill with attention turning towards Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
This phase of works commenced on Wednesday 24th July and since that time no trams have been able to run via 1CC leading to the stops at Market Street and Shudehill being closed. Tram services across the city have all been diverted onto 2CC which has led to that route seeing a major increase in services running along it. The work is due to be finished on Monday 19th August.
Recent progress has seen the conclusion of work at Shudehill with new track now in place there. Meanwhile, the work crews have moved on to a second phase which sees the points at Market Street and the trailing points from Piccadilly Gardens and Mosley Street towards Victoria replaced.
This photo shows the completed trackwork at Shudehill with the new curved rails in place.
Another view of the completed work at Shudehill.
Here we see the new points at Market Street being assembled.
This shot shows the new trailing points on Mosley Street under assembly.
Once again we see the new points on Mosley Street. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde, 9th August 2024)