The next phase of a £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network has gotten under way, bringing with it a whole load of disruptions to be aware of. The essential track replacement work is set to make the network safer and more resilient and reliable for years to come.
People are being encouraged to plan their journey while the work is carried out, as there will be no trams between Victoria and Rochdale town centre, until Friday 29 May. This is due to improvement work taking place on the Oldham-Rochdale line.
What work is being carried out along the track between Victoria and Rochdale?
The work is being carried out between Monsall and Newton Heath & Moston and will involve replacing sections of track and improving drainage along the route. The track foundation will also be replaced where needed, as well as work to correct the alignment and level of the track.
This is a big and complex job, using 290 new concrete sleepers and 2,000 tonnes of pea gravel and replacing over 5,000 tonnes of ballast.
It will make journeys smoother and more reliable for passengers and improve the condition of the track for the long-term. Some speed restrictions currently in place for safety reasons will be able to be lifted.
Alternative routes & replacement buses
Trams to East Didsbury will start from Exchange Square and a bus replacement service will be in place between Victoria and Rochdale Town Centre. Frequent Bee Network bus services also call at the bus stops near each tram stop, but tram tickets will only be accepted on the replacement bus, not on numbered bus services.
During the work, customers buying tickets at Monsall tram stop will need to access the platforms via Ruislip Avenue or Upper Monsall Street, as it will not be possible to cross the tracks. Step‑free access to the Manchester‑bound platform will be available via the lift only while the work is taking place. Step-free access to the Rochdale-bound platform is unaffected.
Work at Derker
To minimise disruption, work at Derker is also taking place at the same. The track was made safe following a landslip in summer 2024.
Now, a longer-term solution will see teams drive steel sheets into the ground to hold it in place and prevent further movement. Further work will be needed later in the year to complete the job.
Piccadilly Gardens improvement work
From Monday 25 to Friday 29 May, improvement work will take place at Piccadilly Gardens updating equipment that has been in place since the line opened in 1992. No trams will run between St Peter’s Square/Market Street and Piccadilly during this time.
Customers may need to change trams, take a short walk or hop on the free bus to continue their journey. Tram services will resume from start of service on Saturday 30 May.
Services will run every 15 minutes as follows:
- Exchange Square – East Didsbury (7.5 minute frequency during peak times)
- Bury – Altrincham (7.5 minute frequency during peak times)
- Manchester Airport – Victoria (via Market Street)
- Deansgate-Castlefield – Eccles (via MediaCityUK)
- Trafford Centre – Crumpsall (via Market Street)
- Piccadilly – Ashton-under-Lyne
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “These improvements are part of our continued £150m investment to make our tram network safer, more reliable and more resilient for the long term.
“It’s a really big job, which means we have to close the line to get it done, but in the longer term this will make a real difference to everyone that travels with us.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience while this essential work takes place. We’ll have replacement bus services in place, and 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, as some tram services will need to change while we carry out this essential work. The best way for customers to stay informed and plan their journey is by using the Bee Network website or app.”
For further information see the dedicated tram improvement works page on the Bee Network website.