Tram users warned of two weeks of works disruption

Several Metrolink tram services across Greater Manchester will see two weeks of disruption due to network upgrades from this weekend.

The work will be taking place between Victoria and Rochdale between Saturday and Friday 29 May.

As the latest phase of a £150m project from Metrolink, the upgrades aim to make the service "safer and more resilient and reliable for years to come", said Transport for Greater Manchester's (TfGM) network director Ian Davies.

Meanwhile, no services will run between St Peter's Square and Piccadilly from 25-29 May as part of another scheme, which will update equipment that has been running since the line opened in the 1990s.

This will include replacing sections of track and improving drainage and structural foundations to correct the alignment and level of the track, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Trams to East Didsbury will instead depart from Exchange Square, with a rail replacement bus service running between Victoria and Rochdale until the service resumes on 30 May.

Work at Derker in Oldham will also be taking place at the same time to reduce disruptions.

The work is to repair issues caused by a landslip in the summer of 2024.

Further work will be needed later in the year to complete the job, TfGM said.

Works on the Oldham to Rochdale line will take place between Monsall and Newton Heath and Moston.

Ticket-buyers at Monsall Street stop will need to access the platform via Ruislip Avenue or Upper Monsall Street as the line crossing will be closed.

A lift will be available for step-free access while works are ongoing.

Commuters needing to change trams at Monsall are advised to take a short walk or use the free bus to continue their journey.

Only tram tickets will be accepted on the replacement bus.

Davies said: "We'd like to thank people for their patience while this essential work takes place. Our staff will be out across the network to help everyone make their journey as usual.

"I'd strongly encourage everyone travelling during this period to plan ahead. The best way for customers to stay informed and plan their journey is by using the Bee Network website or app."

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