Football fans heading to Old Trafford for Saturday’s (14 November) charity match in aid of UNICEF are being advised to allow plenty of time to get to the ground.
The “Match for Children” kicks off at 3pm on the same day the Manchester city centre Christmas markets launch.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s Events Manager, John Fryer, said: “This weekend sees the busy festive period kick off in earnest and that means our roads, buses, trains and trams will be that bit busier too.
“There are lots of ways to get into the city and enjoy all the fun and exciting things on offer, and Metrolink will be running extra trams for the match at Old Trafford.
“Roads will be busy, particularly with work ongoing on the Mancunian Way, and anyone travelling by train should be aware that Deansgate station is closed from 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays through to 19 December.
“Whatever you’re doing, have a great time – just make sure you plan ahead and allow plenty of time to make your journey.”
For travel advice and help with journey planning visit www.tfgm.com, call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 12p per minute plus any network charges) and follow @OfficialTfGM” and @MCRMetrolink” on Twitter.
The following Metrolink and bus travel options are available for travel from the city to Old Trafford.
Metrolink
There are fast and frequent services on all Metrolink tram lines, with journeys taking around 15 minutes from Manchester city centre.
The nearest Metrolink stops are at Old Trafford stop (approx. 7 mins walk on Altrincham) and Trafford Bar (approx. 10 mins walk on Altrincham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines).
Visit the Metrolink website at www.metrolink.co.uk for travel advice, including a network map.
Follow @MCRMetrolink” on Twitter for live travel advice, or call Metrolink Customer services on 0161 205 2000.
Bus
• Catch a bus from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford. Services 256, 263, X50, 250, 255 and 251 are all within walking distance of the ground. Visit www.tfgm.com/bustimetables.
Roads
• Road users are advised to allow longer for travel as part of the Mancunian Way has a contraflow with a 20mph speed limit. Visit the Manchester City Council website for more information.
• The M62 will close overnight in both directions from 9pm between Junction 19 at Heywood and Junction 20 at Oldham on Saturdays 14, 21 & 28 November and Saturday 5 December for smart motorway upgrade work.
• Follow @HighwaysNWEST” on Twitter for travel advice or visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/
Rail
• Northern Rail run a limited train service to Old Trafford Halt. Please note that this stop is currently NOT ACCESSIBLE to customers in wheelchairs or those with severe mobility difficulties.
• Northern Rail have announced that, due to the volume of people expected to be travelling to the Christmas markets, Deansgate Railway Station will be closed from 6pm every Friday and Saturday between 14 November and 19 December. Northern Rail is advising passengers to use Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Victoria or Salford Central instead. The nearby Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop will be open as usual.
• Plan your journey or check how your train service is running at www.nationalrail.co.uk or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
