Commuters are expecting weeks of disruption from the end of the month when the Eccles via MediaCityUK Metrolink line is closed.
From 26 June no trams will run on the Eccles line after bosses ordered a full repair on sections of curved track that are deemed unsafe.
Parts of the track are 16 years old and in desperate need of repair, say Metrolink.
Tram services are expected to resume between Deansgate-Castlefield and MediaCityUK in early August, with the full line reopening at the end of August.
One final drop-in session to talk about the work takes place at Eccles Travelshop on Church Street on Saturday 18 June from 12.45pm – 3pm.
Replacement buses will run every 10 minutes on various routes from Sunday 26 June until the first week in August.
At peak times, Monday to Friday from 7am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 8pm buses will run every 5 minutes between Piccadilly, Cornbrook and the MediaCityUK.
* The X1 service will operate at peak times only (Monday to Friday, 7am-9.30am and 3.30pm- 8pm) calling at Piccadilly, Trafford Bar and Cornbrook.
* The X2 service will operate all day (to first and last tram times) calling at Piccadilly and Deansgate-Castlefield and most stops along the Eccles via MediaCityUK line.
*The X3 service will operate at peak times only (Monday to Friday, 7-10am and 3.30pm- 8pm) calling at Piccadilly, Trafford Bar, Cornbrook and MediaCityUK.
Passengers will need to have a valid Metrolink ticket or pass before boarding the bus.
Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink Director, said: “It’s a big summer of change on Metrolink as we get ready to open the new St Peter’s Square tram stop and carry out essential track maintenance on the Eccles line.
“We’ve planned Metrolink and replacement bus services very carefully to make sure we’re providing good transport links right across the tram network. We’ll also be signposting and promoting a walking route through Manchester city centre.
Train services from Eccles and Patricroft rail stations to/from the city will operate as normal.
Main image by Fred Collins via Flickr
