Major track replacement work on tram network completes on time

Tram services have resumed on key routes through Greater Manchester after a programme of major track replacement has successfully completed on time.

1.6 km of track was replaced between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield. Work was part of an £150 million investment to maintain, upgrade and improve Greater Manchester’s tram network through to 2027, helping to keep services safe, reliable and resilient for years to come ahead of planned expansions of the network, which is set to include extensions to Stockport and Middleton.

Work took place during a planned three-week closure of one of the busiest sections of the network, with no services into Manchester city centre on the East Didsbury, Trafford Centre and Altrincham lines. The project involved replacing ageing track, sleepers and drainage at a critical point of the network where several tram lines come together. Specialist lifting equipment was used for the first time in the UK, reflecting the scale and complexity of the job. 

Follow-up work is planned on the same section of track on Sunday 9 August, starting at the beginning of the day and continuing into the afternoon.

Elsewhere, a curved section of track on the Eccles line was also upgraded, with no trams running on this line.

With fewer trams running and several stops closed, the opportunity was also taken to carry out deep cleaning and maintenance work on trams and at stations.

Ian Davies (pictured), TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said:

“This was the biggest track upgrade project we’ve done for years and will make the tram network more reliable, resilient and safe for years to come. It also allows us to lift the speed restrictions in place on some sections from 5mph to 20mph.

“This was a large and complex piece of engineering on one of the busiest sections of light rail in Europe, and the only way we could do it was by closing some of the lines for three weeks.

“A massive thank you to passengers for their patience. We know people have had to make alternative travel plans over the last few weeks, but we’re ready to welcome people back on to our trams.

“We’ve listened carefully to passengers throughout the closure, in particular about the reliability of our replacement buses. We’ll take on board the feedback for the next phases of work.”

TfGM is reminding passengers that further planned improvement works will take place later this summer and autumn. Further details can be found on the TfGM website.