Ashton Metrolink tram line shut for maintenance: when the closure is and how journeys will be affected

A line of the Metrolink tram service in Manchester will be shut for almost a week for maintenance work.

The Ashton line will be closed from Sunday (20 March) for six days.

There will also be a diversion in place as further work on the tracks is carried out in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has promised to do everything it can to keep passengers on the move but apologised for any inconvenience that will be caused.

When is the Ashton Metrolink line closing and how can I still make journeys?

The Ashton line of the Metrolink will be shut in full for six days between Sunday 20 March and Saturday 26 March.

This is to allow engineers to replace old tracks at the Manchester Piccadilly tram stop in the undercroft area under the main railway station.

TfGM says a replacement bus service will run with the same frequency as the trams would have done.

Signs will be put up to show passengers where they need to go.

Is there other work being carried out on the Metrolink at this time?

The same six-day window is also being used by TfGM to carry out maintenance work on the tram tracks in Piccadilly Gardens outside Primark.

This means trams will not run through Market Street, Shudehill or Piccadilly Gardens, with services being diverted along the second city centre route via St Peter’s Square and Exchange Square.

A dedicated travel advice page has been set up on the TfGM website to help passengers find information on alternative travel options and plan their journeys in advance.

Metrolink staff will also be around during the six days to give advice, TfGM has said.

What has TfGM said about the closures?

TfGM’s head of Metrolink, Daniel Vaughan, said: “We’re very sorry for the inconvenience we know this closure of the Ashton line will cause but will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption by running a like-for-like replacement bus service.

“The works to install new rail track will be condensed into one six-day closure, rather than a number of shorter, more disruptive closures over different weekends, and extra staff will be placed in key locations and at key times to help people get around or answer any questions.

“I’d encourage customers using the network to plan ahead and allow extra time when making their journey.”