There will be no trams between Eccles and MediaCityUK for three months after planned engineering works get underway next week. Between July 16 and October 21, a bus replacement service will be operating between the two Metrolink stops as maintenance is carried out to replace the rails on the Eccles line.
Tram services will still run as normal between Ashton and MediaCityUK throughout the three-month period, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed.
TfGM’s head of Metrolink, Daniel Vaughan 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.
"We’ll have a bus replacement service in place, staff out along the line and contractors working around the clock to complete this project as soon as possible. I’d encourage customers using the network to plan ahead and allow extra time when making their journey.”
The section of line will close after the final service on July 15 and will reopen for the start of service on October 22. The work is part of Metrolink's planned track renewal programme and represents the third phase of activity on the Eccles line this year.
The work will see the replacement of worn rails in a number of locations between Eccles and MediaCityUK and TfGM says that the works are essential to keep the line safe for passengers. Metrolink staff will be around at key locations, at busier times, and passengers can visit the dedicated travel advice page to find information on alternative travel options to help plan journeys.
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