Commuters could face another day of Metrolink disruption as work to repair damaged overhead lines continues.
Trams on multiple lines were suspended yesterday (Sunday) due to 'severe' damage to the overhead line at Victoria. The disruption caused chaos last night as thousands headed home from Parklife festival and Soccer Aid on one of the busiest weekends of the year in Greater Manchester.
Although all tram lines are now operating, services are still unable to pass through Victoria. On the Bury line, trams are currently only running between Bury and Abraham Moss. On the Rochdale via Oldham line, services are running between Monsall and Rochdale town centre.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
Engineers have spent more than 24 hours attempting to replace around 100 metre of cabling and other equipment in an attempt to get trams back up and running. However, the 'extensive' repairs are expected to continue throughout the night and into tomorrow, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed.
Progress could also be impacted by the high temperatures and potential storms, it has warned. Pictures shared by TfGM show the extent of the damage to the overhead lines.
An investigation is underway into the cause of the damage to overhead line equipment.
Passengers are encouraged to check TfGM’s website and social media channels for the latest information and travel updates, including ticket acceptance on local bus services. A dedicated information page has also been set up to help people heading into the city centre for Manchester City’s parade, following their treble-winning season.
TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “The damage to the overhead lines is severe, but my thanks to passengers for their understanding while engineers work tirelessly in some challenging circumstances to get the repairs done.
“My thanks also to other partners, including bus operators and staff out across the network, who have been working really hard to get people where they need to go and limit disruption.
“We’re expecting lots of people to come into the city centre for the parade and I’d encourage people to please plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time for their journey and to take precautions due to the weather, such as making sure you stay hydrated.”
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT: