The Metrolink network opened more than 16 years ago and some of the track is showing its age. The city centre track is the busiest on the network with trams travelling over some sections more than 250 times every day. This will increase to up to 400 times a day when the new Metrolink lines to Droylsden, Chorlton, Oldham and Rochdale and MediaCityUK open over the next few years.
This improvement work will help to make journeys smoother, quieter and more reliable. As well as all the track being replaced, the St Peter's Square and Piccadilly Gardens stops will also be upgraded. The Piccadilly Gardens stop will be widened so that more people can use it, and a new canopy will be installed for improved shelter. The St Peter's Square stop will be lengthened to give better access and level boarding for double-length trams.
The work started on Monday 6 April and will be completed later this year. We want to finish the work as soon as possible to limit the impact on Metrolink passengers and people who live and work in the city centre. Manchester City Council has granted permission for 24 hour working in some areas of the city centre in order to speed up the work. However, the contractor will not work in heavily residential areas of the city between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.30am. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Construction Code of Practice.
Double trams will run on the Altrincham line every 12 minutes. The track between the G-Mex and St Peter's Square stops is being replaced in sections to allow a single line to be kept open to trams to St Peter's Square at all times.
Services are running on the Eccles line every 12 minutes. The track between the G-Mex and St Peter's Square stops is being replaced in sections to allow a single line to be kept open to trams to St Peter's Square at all times.
Services are running on the Bury line through to Victoria every 12 minutes.
A bus link is running for passengers with a valid Metrolink ticket. Tickets must be bought before boarding the bus. The service connects Victoria, Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Station and St Peter's Square, running in both directions. It runs during normal Metrolink operating hours, every 12 minutes (until 7pm Mondays to Saturdays) and every 20 minutes (after 7pm Mondays to Saturdays and all day on Sundays). Walking routes are also signposted for passengers who choose to walk from their stop to their final destination.
We have worked closely with Manchester City Council and bus operators to ensure there is a limited impact on other city centre road users. Buses travelling into Manchester city centre down Oxford Road are using a new temporary bus lane on Portland Street to access the bus stands at Piccadilly Gardens. Passengers can get off services at two temporary bus stops along Portland Street. Information is posted at all affected bus stops.
Posters are on display at all 37 stops on the Metrolink network, thousands of letters have been sent to local residents and businesses, and leaflets made available at tram stops and in GMPTE Travelshops. The latest news will be posted on www.gmpte.com and www.metrolink.co.uk
The GMPTE Metrolink liaison team is available on 0161 244 1555 during office hours to answer any questions about the work. A 24 hour helpline is also available to city centre residents and businesses.
