News

Metrolink disruption expected this weekend due to ‘essential engineering works’

And that's even without throwing Storm Babet into the mix.

Emily Sergeant - 20th October 2023

Mancs are being told to brace themselves for Metrolink disruption while “essential engineering works” are carried out on several lines.

Maintenance will be taking place over a number of weekends in late October and early November, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed – with works to renew points, and replace tracks and concrete kicking off this Sunday (22 October) at Cornbrook.

The works being carried out at Cornbrook are expected to have a knock-on affect, and impact services across the network.

Following that, track repair work will then also take place on the Bury and Rochdale lines over the weekend of Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November, and during this time, TfGM has confirmed there will be no tram service between Bury and Whitefield, or Freehold and Rochdale Town Centre.

Replacement bus services will be laid on at all affected stops to ensure people are still able to make their journeys as usual on these dates.

TfGM has apologised for “any inconvenience” that may be caused to travellers.

Speaking ahead of the essential engineering works beginning this weekend, Danny Vaughan, who is the Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience these essential works may cause people to people travelling on these dates, however, it’s important we maintain and improve the network so it continues to provide a reliable and safe service to all our customers.

“We have a comprehensive replacement bus service across all affected dates, so people can still get to and from their intended destinations.

“I’d encourage passengers to monitor our website and social media channels for the latest information and advice.”

Mr Vaughn insists these engineering works have been scheduled to “minimise disruption during the week”, and adds that TfGM will be doing “everything we can” to make journeys as easy as possible for passengers.

These essential engineering works over the next couple of weekends are parter of what TfGM has called a “comprehensive” programme of renewals and enhancements in order to “maintain and improve” the tram network heading into festive season – which is, of course, always one of the busiest times of the year for travel.

Read more:

• Fines for Metrolink fare evasion to increase by 20% as part of ‘crackdown’
• Plans for a new luxury service station on the M56 near Manchester are set to be approved
• Chorlton’s legendary ‘tram cat’ Batman now has a mural outside his local Metrolink stop

For all the full details of Metrolink works and bus replacement services, you’ll want to head on over to the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – Mangopear Creative (via Unsplash)