Extended closure of Eccles tram line needed to complete urgent works

Bus replacement information and ticket acceptance on commercial bus services can be found on the Metrolink improvement works section of the TfGM website

The Eccles Metrolink line will remain closed beyond the weekend to allow for the completion of safety-critical engineering works.

The line closed on Monday, July 19 to enable the replacement of two sections of track and was due to reopen on Sunday, August 1.

However, during the first phase of works it has been determined that additional renewals are required to the concrete around the tram tracks, which has been in place for more than 20 years.

The condition of the concrete was only visible once the rail removal had started.

It is the first time concrete has been found to be degraded to this extent during track replacement work.

This has resulted in an overall delay to the project and the Eccles line will remain closed for up to 15 additional days, with Metrolink services on the line expected to resume from Monday, August 16. 

Other closures of the Metrolink network, planned between now and August 15, will continue as normal.

Further details, including bus replacement information and ticket acceptance on commercial bus services, can be found on the Metrolink improvement works section of the TfGM website.

TfGM’s Head of Operations, Alex Cropper, said: “I’m very sorry for the inconvenience we know this extended closure of the Eccles line will cause, but we have no other option but to complete this work before we can resume services.

“Metrolink is 30 next year and this is the first time we have found the concrete around the tracks to be in this condition.

"Because it only became apparent once we started to take the tram tracks out, we’re having to carry out significantly more work than we originally planned.

“Contractors will be working around the clock to complete this project as soon as possible and we’ll be trying to minimise disruption as much as possible, and I’d encourage customers using the network to plan ahead and allow extra time when making their journey.”

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