Promise to keep our city moving

Commuters on the tram

ALL modes of transport were affected this morning following the incident that unfolded at Manchester Arena late last night.

The thoughts of everyone at Transport for Greater Manchester were with all those affected by the tragic event.

But, working together with partners at Greater Manchester Police, the transport chiefs were determined to keep Manchester moving during this most difficult of times.

The following is a travel round-up of the affected modes as of this morning:

Metrolink

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Victoria Station will be closed for at least 24 hours, which means that services on the Bury and Rochdale via Oldham lines are operating a reduced route until further notice.

Services on the Rochdale via Oldham line will finish at Monsall while those on the Bury line will stop at Queens Road.

There is ticket acceptance by bus operators Stagecoach and First on bus services on the Bury, Rochdale Metrolink lines.

Ten buses were scheduled to operate from Central Park as Metrolink replacement services and seven buses scheduled to operate from Queens Road to Piccadilly Gardens.

Services that operate south of the city centre were also affected, with the Airport line running to Deansgate, the Eccles service running all day via MediaCityUK to Ashton, Altrincham running to the Etihad Campus or Piccadilly and East Didsbury service redirected to Piccadilly.

Further information was expected to be communicated throughout the day as more information becomes available. Customers are advised to check the Metrolink website or follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for updates.

Bus

No bus services were operating out of Shudehill. All services were terminating short of the Interchange.

Mega bus services diverted to Stevenson Square. Metroshuttle services - service 1 operating but with diversions, service 2 not operating, service 3 normal route.

All school bus services were running as normal.

Rail

Manchester Victoria was closed to all rail traffic; as such rail services were not calling at Victoria.

Piccadilly Station remained open as usual. All rail passengers were advised to check National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

Roads

Roads were expected to be busier than usual.

There was expected to be limited access to the city centre from the north of Manchester with good access from the south of Manchester.

Limited access on Manchester Inner Ring Road from the north - including Trinity Way and closures will restrict access for the next 24 hours with no access to Shudehill, Victoria Station and the immediate area around the Manchester Arena.

Non-signposted diversions were in place as a result of the incident meaning congestion and delays inevitable.

In addition there was also a fire on Ashton Old Road at the junction of Fairfield Road and Ogden Lane which was likely to cause ongoing delays.