Section of Manchester Metrolink to close for 17 days

Essential track maintenance on the [1] Metrolink Tram system will see a section of line between Piccadilly and Piccadilly gardens close for 17 days from 22 June - 9 July. The closure also means that no trams will be able to run south from London Road between Store Street and Fairfield Street. Trams will still be running on the Ashton Line but will only operate as far as Piccadilly station.

Customers who want to continue their journey will need to catch a replacement bus for the final stage to Piccadilly Gardens, while some of the younger and able passengers may opt to get their steps up by walking the distance between the two stops which will take approximately 5 minutes, the route will also be sign posted. The road rail junction close to Piccadilly station where the tracks cross the road is also due for track renewel. This will see London Road closed to all traffic heading out from the city centre, this is likely to cause extra traffic congestion and longer journey times for motorists who will be using the alternative neighbouring roads along Fairfield Street, Store Street, Princess Street, Newton Street and the inner ring road.

All diversions will be clearly sign posted which will take motorists heading out of the centre of Manchester via Portland Street and Princess Street, with an alternative route via Store Street.

A Metrolink tram crossing London Road - Manchester MetrolinkA Metrolink tram crossing London Road // Credit: [2]

Some buses that head out to the [3] areas that normally use London Road will also be diverted via Chorlton Street and Fairfield Street. This is to avoid congestion and overcrowding on the buses and at bus stops. Once more, signs will be in place informing passengers which bus stops will be closed and where the next available open bus stop is.

For the first few days of the closure, staff will be on hand at closed bus stops to aid passengers with their onward journey and travel advice. It will be compulsory for cyclists to follow the road diversion signs, which may lead to them having to dismount and follow pedestrian only routes in some areas.

Metrolink tram on Cross St, Manchester city centreMetrolink tram on Cross St, Manchester city centre // Credit: Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)

The track replacement works in the Piccadilly area are being undertaken before the school holidays start in late July. It is part of a larger programme which will take place across the Metrolink system over the course of the Summer.

These works help to keep the trams in Manchester safe, reliable and accessible, as well as ensuring a regular service.

"Thousands of journeys are made on Metrolink every day of the week, which is why we're always working to keep our passengers safe and Greater Manchester moving. "During these essential works, we will be doing everything we can to keep [4] to a minimum with replacement bus services and signed diversions for vehicles and pedestrians. "Our control centre has good CCTV coverage at both the London Road closure points and on the diversion routes - and we also have support from our traffic signals team to ensure city centre traffic flows as freely as possible. "I would encourage customers to plan ahead - check our website for the latest travel information before setting off - and leave plenty of time for their journeys.

Pete Sommers, TfGM's Metrolink Director

References

  1. ^ (www.railadvent.co.uk)
  2. ^ (www.railadvent.co.uk)
  3. ^ (www.railadvent.co.uk)
  4. ^ (www.railadvent.co.uk)

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