Manchester Metrolink services are running across the network again following the completion – on-time! – of the major trackworks in the Cornbrook area. No trams had been running on the Altrincham, Eccles or Trafford Centre lines since 19th October to allow around 4km of track to be replaced as part of the continued investment in maintaining, renewing and improving the network.
Normal services resumed on this lines again, as planned, from the start of service on Monday 2nd November 2026 after a two-week closure. As well as the replacement of the track between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield, further work took place on the Eccles line and in the city centre.
The section between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield is one of the busiest in Europe and sees trams pass through every 30 seconds on a normal timetable.
Final checks are still needed on trackwork completed in Piccadilly Gardens and as such trams on the Bury-Altrincham and Victoria to Manchester Airport routes will continue to operate via Exchange Square instead of via Market Street. These diversions will remain in place until the start of service on Thursday 5th November.
The work completed will see more speed restrictions removed and should allow both smoother and more reliable journeys to operate.
Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said: “This was an essential piece of engineering work on one of the busiest parts of our tram network and will help keep services safe, reliable and fit for the future.
“We’re sorry for the disruption and I’d like to thank passengers, residents and businesses for their patience while we got on with the job.
“The upgrades mean customers will benefit from smoother journeys and allow us to lift further speed restrictions on this section of the network. It will help speed up our journeys and improve reliability for everyone who uses our network.
“Completing work of this scale on time is a significant achievement and I’d like to thank everyone involved for getting it done safely and efficiently.”
Metrolink services remain unaffected by the major water leak on Portland Street which has seen bus services diverted since the middle of last week.