This pictorial article heads to Manchester Metrolink with a selection of images taken on the Eccles line. These show the phase two extension of the network, mainly on the extensive street running section as trams run between Broadway and Eccles itself. Photographs by Keith Chadbourne.
3086+3111 on Eccles New Road as they pass Monks Court. In normal operation all trams from Eccles run to Ashton-under-Lyne. Outside of peak times these run via MediaCityUK and that’s what these trams were doing when this photo was taken.
Also taken on 23rd February 2026 this time we see 3068 at the rear of a double unit when working a service away from us and towards Eccles. Normally the route sees a mixture of singles and doubles running but at this time with engineering work taking place the majority were running as pairs. This was near to Astor Road.
A day later on 24th February 2026 – and this is 3071 which is just leaving Langworthy with a service heading to Eccles.
Eccles New Road again and 3104 – which was in fleet livery here but has subsequently received an advert – moves away as it passes the Coach & Horses pub when working a service to Ashton. The destination display tells us that its working via Piccadilly which helps us to know that it will not go onto the MediaCityUK spur.
3008 has just departed Broadway with a service which is only going as far as Piccadilly. Just after this stop is where the junction to MediaCityUK can be found. If it was running there it would go right rather than straight-on and then left.
Its not all about modern trams on the route to Eccles. This section of track is still in place alongside the old tram depot at Weaste (to the Eccles side of the tramstop of the same name). 3144 runs along Eccles New Road with a service to Ashton on 14th March 2026. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne)