{"id":64025,"date":"2026-08-04T22:00:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=64025"},"modified":"2026-08-04T20:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T19:20:14","slug":"in-pictures-metrolink-services-resume-through-cornbrook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=64025","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Metrolink services resume through Cornbrook"},"content":{"rendered":"

The major engineering works which have seen significant changes to Manchester Metrolink services over the past three weeks have come to an end with normal services resuming across the network on Monday 3rd<\/sup> August 2026. The works included 1.6km of track replaced between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield whilst at the same time work was completed on the Eccles line and in Manchester City Centre.<\/p>\n

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The project saw ageing track, sleepers and drainage replaced on a key section of the network which is described as one of the busiest sections of tramway anywhere in Europe. Specialist lifting equipment was utilised for the first time in the UK which helped the work to be completed both on time and within budget.<\/p>\n

Ian Davies, TfGM\u2019s Network Director for Metrolink, said: \u201cThis was the biggest track upgrade project we\u2019ve done for years and will make the tram network more reliable, resilient and safe for years to come. It also allows us to lift the speed restrictions in place on some sections from 5mph to 20mph.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was a large and complex piece of engineering on one of the busiest sections of light rail in Europe, and the only way we could do it was by closing some of the lines for three weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cA massive thank you to passengers for their patience. We know people have had to make alternative travel plans over the last few weeks, but we\u2019re ready to welcome people back on to our trams.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve listened carefully to passengers throughout the closure, in particular about the reliability of our replacement buses. We\u2019ll take on board the feedback for the next phases of work.”<\/p>\n

With fewer trams being needed to operate the revised service during the works, the opportunity was also taken to carry out deep cleaning and maintenance work on both the extensive fleet of M5000 trams and at stops.<\/p>\n

Although this phase of work is completed there will be more to come over the next few months \u2013 all being part of the \u00a3150m investment going towards maintenance, upgrades and improvements to the network through to 2027.<\/p>\n

This will include:<\/p>\n

Oldham and Rochdale line<\/strong><\/p>\n