The next major phase of engineering works on Manchester Metrolink – and the last for 2026 – are set to get underway from 19th October as contractors return to the Trafford Bar to Deansgate-Castlefield section to complete rail replacement works. Ahead of the work TfGM are urging passengers to get ready and plan in advance before attempting to travel.
Starting on Monday 19th October and continuing through until Sunday 1st November, the work will see around 4km of track replaced between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield. This builds on the work undertaken over the summer at Cornbrook to replace drainage, foundations and track in the tunnels.
During the works no trams will operate on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park line whilst those from East Didsbury and Manchester Airport will terminate at Firswood.
Following feedback from the closure on this section earlier this year, there will also be some changes to try and make journeys easier for passengers during the closure. This will include more direct replacement bus services operation between key stops instead of calling at all stops and extra buses being used on certain Bee Network bus routes.
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director, said: “We’re carrying out this work to make sure Metrolink remains safe, reliable and fit for the future, but we recognise that they’ll cause disruption for many people. We’re sorry about that and are doing everything we can to ensure you can still get where you need to go.
“One of the things we’ve done since the summer closure is listen carefully to the feedback people gave us. Customers told us they wanted clearer information, faster replacement journeys and more travel options, and we’ve used that feedback to shape our plans for this autumn.
“There is never a perfect time to undertake major engineering work on one of the busiest light rail corridors in Europe, but these improvements are essential if we are to continue delivering the reliable public transport network that Greater Manchester needs.”
This isn’t the only engineering work due to take place in the coming weeks and months either. Between 21st and 26th September there will be no trams via Market Street and Shudehill, from 27th September to 2nd October there will no service from St Peter’s Square/Market Street and Piccadilly and then on 14th and 15th November there is no service on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park line again.
Revised services running over the next few months:
Monday 21st to Saturday 26th September
- Works taking place near Market Street with no trams operating via Market Street and Shudehill
Trams will run (15 minute frequency):
- Bury to Altrincham via Exchange Square (double frequency at peak times)
- Manchester Airport to Victoria via Exchange Square
- Ashton-under-Lyne to Eccles
- Etihad Campus to MediaCityUK (peak times only except for Friday when it seems to be all day)
- Rochdale Town Centre to East Didsbury via Exchange Square
- Shaw & Crompton to East Didsbury via Exchange Square (peak times only)
- Trafford Centre to Crumpsall via Exchange Square
Sunday 27th September to Friday 2nd October
- Works taking place at Piccadilly Gardens
Trams will run (15 minute frequency):
- Rochdale Town Centre to East Didsbury via Exchange Square
- Shaw & Crompton to East Didsbury via Exchange Square (peak times only)
- Trafford Centre to Crumpsall via Exchange Square
- Bury to Altrincham via Market Street (double frequency at peak times)
- Manchester Airport to Victoria via Market Street
- Deansgate-Castlefield to Eccles via MediaCityUK
- Piccadilly to Ashton-under-Lyne
- Piccadilly to Etihad Campus
Monday 19th October to Sunday 1st November
- Improvement works at Deansgate-Castlefield and Trafford Bar and additional works in the city centre
Trams will run (15 minute frequency):
- East Didsbury to Firswood
- Manchester Airport to Firswood
- Rochdale Town Centre to Exchange Square
- Shaw & Crompton to Exchange Square (peak times only)
- Bury to Ashton-under-Lyne
- Bury to Etihad Campus (peak times only)
- Victoria to Etihad Campus (after peak)
Full details of all planned works at https://tfgm.com/tram-improvement-works