People urged to plan ahead as major Metrolink works get underway

Metrolink bosses are reminding people to plan their journeys ahead as the next phase of Metrolink improvement works prepares to get underway.

The next batch of works will run from Mon 13 Jul – Sun 2 Aug as part of a wider programme of investment to improve the reliability and resilience of the Metrolink network.

The three-week period includes a number of major events across Greater Manchester, including Manchester Day, Comic Con Manchester and The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford.

During the work, there will be no tram services on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines. Services operating on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines will terminate at Firswood.

Replacement bus services will operate throughout the closure period to help people complete their journeys. People who normally use the affected lines are being encouraged to check the Bee Network app or website before they travel. Bee Network social media channels will also be updated with the latest travel information.

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “This is vitally important work at some of the busiest and most used sections of tram track anywhere in the country. Due to the location, it means no trams can run at all on three lines and services on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines will have to stop at Firswood.

“We know it will have a big impact and that a lot of our customers will have to travel in a different way for a few weeks. We are sorry about the impact this will have, but it will make journeys quicker and more reliable once complete.

“We have replacement buses operating on the affected lines and staff out across the network to help passengers complete their journeys. I would encourage everyone to check the Bee Network website or app before they travel and allow a little extra time for their journey.”

Special travel arrangements are being put in place for Manchester Super Giants fixtures against Birmingham Phoenix on Sun 26 Jul and Trent Rockets on Fri 31 Jul.

Dedicated replacement buses will operate between Manchester city centre and Emirates Old Trafford, as well as between Altrincham and the stadium, before and after the match. The services will operate on a load-and-go basis to help fans travel to and from the fixture while the Metrolink works are taking place.

Full information about the Metrolink improvement work, replacement bus services and travel arrangements is available on the Bee Network website.