Part of Greater Manchester’s tram network to close for three months from this week

A section of the Metrolink line between Eccles and MediaCityUK is to be closed for three months from this week as planned engineering work gets underway.

Confirmation of the closure comes after Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) announced back in February that after 22 years of operation, the Metrolink Eccles line – which was originally opened in 1999, and has supported millions of journeys since – is set to close “on several occasions” this year for essential maintenance of the tracks.

Between 16 July and 21 October, a bus replacement service will be operating between Eccles and MediaCityUK Metrolink stops while maintenance is carried out to replace the rails on the Eccles line.

Tram services however will still be running as normal between Ashton-under-Lyne and MediaCityUK throughout the three-month period.

TfGM says all closure times have been chosen in order to “minimise disruption to passengers”.

Speaking ahead of the significant line closure from next week, Daniel Vaughan – Head of Metrolink at TfGM said: “The Eccles line is undergoing a planned programme of essential maintenance works to replace the 20-year-old rails and ensure we can continue to operate a safe and reliable service for years to come.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience we know this partial closure of the Eccles line will cause, but we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption.”

Read more: Eccles tram line to close on ‘several occasions’ this year for essential maintenance

Passengers will be able to visit a dedicated travel advice page to find information on alternative travel options to help plan their journey in advance, and Metrolink staff will also be around at key locations at busier times assist people in any way needed.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

More details are available on the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – TfGM