TfGM tram network works programme: 3–6 April closure and new timetable

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) tram network works programme has been set out for this year, as reported by Railway-News, with the operator aiming to increase capacity and strengthen resilience across its tracks, trams and workforce.

Also, the activity forms part of a wider £150 million programme to maintain, upgrade and improve tram infrastructure, supporting safe, reliable and accessible Bee Network services.

Meanwhile, passengers have been advised to expect temporary disruption from spring as the first sites enter the programme. Initial locations include areas near Trafford Bar, Deansgate-Castlefield, Monsall, Newton Heath & Moston, Eccles, Derker and Piccadilly Gardens.

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Where the TfGM tram network works programme starts?

At the same time, TfGM said the programme is planned to continue until autumn, and that notice will be provided ahead of any potential closures. The first major block is scheduled for Easter Weekend, when preparatory works begin at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield.

Those preparatory works are intended to lay the foundations for a full track replacement later in the year. TfGM said this initial stage will run over four days, from 3–6 April, creating a Metrolink Easter Weekend closure window at those locations, as outlined on TfGM’s tram improvement works and disruptions page.

Trafford Bar closure and Altrincham line rail replacement work

During the 3–6 April closure, rail replacement work will also take place on the Altrincham line. At the same time, tram services will stop along the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines for the whole weekend.

Over the same period, the East Didsbury and Airport lines will run only as far as Firswood. TfGM positioned these service changes as part of the wider effort to improve reliability by investing in infrastructure now and reducing faults over time.

Metrolink temporary timetable change and capacity measures

Separately, a Metrolink temporary timetable change will be introduced across the tram network from Monday 30 March through to autumn. Under the revised schedule, services are set to run every 15 minutes, supported by a peak service running every 7.5 minutes at the busiest times on the most popular lines, as described in TfGM’s tram schedule.

In addition, TfGM said the work programme will run alongside a comprehensive recruitment drive for new tram drivers, intended to build extra capacity and resilience in the workforce. During the temporary schedule, more double trams will run to increase capacity in the busiest areas. TfGM and Metrolink operator KAM also said they will use the opportunity to deep clean, maintain and carry out improvements to trams not currently in use on the network.

Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said:

Keeping our network safe, reliable and ready for the future is our absolute priority. This year’s programme is one of the most significant we’ve ever undertaken and will strengthen the whole network—our track, our trams and our workforce.

Whilst we complete this work, we will introduce a temporary timetable change that will run between spring and autumn.

We know that some of this work will mean temporary disruption, and I want to thank passengers for their patience while we get it done. By investing now, we can reduce faults, improve day to day reliability and make sure Metrolink can keep pace with the growing number of people who depend on it every day now and for the future.

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