A full tram service has resumed on the Oldham and Rochdale line following the completion of essential track replacement work.
Engineers worked day and night between Monsall and Newton Heath & Moston to replace 1.2km of track, improve drainage, renew foundations and correct the alignment and level of the track. It saw 290 new concrete sleepers and 2,000 tonnes of gravel used whilst more than 5,000 tonnes of ballast was replaced.
The work will enable previous temporary speed restrictions to be removed and normal line speed to be reintroduced. This should help to improve journey times and reliability on the line.
Ian Davies, TfGM Network Director for Metrolink, said: “This was a large and complex piece of engineering, that will make a real difference to the reliability and long-term condition of the network.
“It’s the first major milestone of a wider programme of improvements we’re delivering across our tram network this summer to keep it safe, resilient and fit for the future.
“We know closing a line is disruptive, and we’re very grateful for everyone continuing to bear with us while this essential work is completed.”
The work was completed during a two week closure of the Oldham and Rochdale line, with trams resuming from Saturday 30th May.
This was just the start of another summer of improvement works, including a major closure through Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield between 13th July and 2nd August.
Before then another closure started on Monday 1st June with no trams running via Market Street and Shudehill up to and including Tuesday 9th June. During this time services from The Trafford Centre and running to Etihad Campus whilst all services between Bury and Altrincham will run direct via 2CC, as will the Manchester Airport to Victoria service.