Work will begin next week to upgrade a significant section of Greater Manchester’s Metrolink system, marking the next stage in a 147 million GBP investment programme aimed at maintaining and improving the city-region’s tram network.
From Tuesday 3 June until Sunday 10 August, no trams will run through the Piccadilly Gardens stop as engineers carry out essential track replacement work between Piccadilly station and Piccadilly Gardens. Services are expected to resume as normal on Monday 11 August.
This section of track is among the busiest on the network, with approximately 300 tram movements passing through it in each direction each day. The works are designed to ensure the network remains safe and operational as passenger numbers continue to grow.
The Metrolink network recorded its highest-ever passenger numbers last year, with 46 million journeys made. The current project is the largest in a coordinated series of infrastructure upgrades scheduled to take place up to 2027, supporting the network’s role within the wider Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has selected the summer period for the works to minimise disruption. The timing avoids the football season and partly coincides with school holidays, when demand tends to be lower. Specific planning has also taken into account several large-scale events taking place during the same period, including concerts by Oasis at Heaton Park and the Parklife festival.
Service Adjustments During the Works:
- Altrincham/Bury services: Trams on these lines will run via Market Street but will not serve Piccadilly Gardens or Piccadilly station.
- Ashton and Etihad Campus services: These will terminate at Piccadilly station. Signage and free, accessible bus services will help passengers connect to other parts of the network.
- Eccles services (via MediaCityUK): These will run to Victoria via Market Street.
- MediaCityUK to Etihad Campus peak-time service: This service will be suspended during the works, though additional double trams will operate between Eccles and Victoria to increase capacity.
TfGM advises passengers to plan ahead, particularly if travelling to major events or during peak periods. Accessible free buses and clear wayfinding signage will be available to help maintain connectivity during the project.
Further information and travel updates will be available on the Bee Network website and Metrolink social media channels throughout the works.
