Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will commence the next phase of its GBP 147 million investment programme to maintain and enhance Metrolink from Tuesday 3 June to Sunday 10 August. The upgrades includes essential track replacement between Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Gardens—one of the busiest sections on the network.
During the Metrolink upgrade, no tram services will operate via Piccadilly Gardens, with around 300 tram movements in each direction normally passing through the area each day. Normal services are expected to resume on Monday 11 August.
The planned upgrades are part of a wider, long-term renewal strategy to ensure the UK’s largest light rail network remains safe, reliable, and accessible. Metrolink carried 46 million passenger journeys in 2023, with demand continuing to grow rapidly following the pandemic.
TfGM said the summer schedule was chosen to reduce disruption, avoiding the football season and aligning with school holidays. Additional plans have also been developed to maintain capacity during major events such as Parklife and the Oasis concerts at Heaton Park.
“This is a major piece of our coordinated package of track replacement works which will see a £147m investment in the network up to 2027. Metrolink forms a key part of the Bee Network and, as the country’s largest light rail network, carried 46 million passenger journeys last year alone. It plays a vital role in keeping Greater Manchester moving, supporting economic growth and connecting people to jobs, education and opportunity. That is why it’s so important to continually invest in the network to keep it safe, reliable and accessible for years to come,” Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said.
Service changes during the Metrolink upgrade
- Altrincham/Bury lines: Trams will not serve Piccadilly Gardens or Piccadilly Station. Services will run between Altrincham and Bury via Market Street.
- Ashton and Etihad Campus: Services will terminate at Piccadilly Station. Signage and free fully accessible city-centre shuttle buses will help passengers reach Market Street, St Peter’s Square, Deansgate-Castlefield or Victoria for onward connections. A replacement bus service will operate beyond the normal free bus schedule.
- Eccles (via MediaCityUK): Trams will run to Victoria via Market Street.
- MediaCityUK–Etihad Campus peak-time service: Suspended during the works. Extra double trams will operate on the Eccles–Victoria route to maintain capacity.
TfGM has committed to keeping disruption to a minimum and ensuring the network is prepared for increased demand during peak summer events.
Share on:
