Part of Eccles Metrolink tram line to close for maintenance work over Easter holidays - when it is shut

Part of a Metrolink tram line will be closed during the Easter holidays for essential maintenance work.

The partial closure of the Eccles line lasts throughout much of April and is the latest in a series of shutdowns for engineering work across the public transport network.

Here’s the information passengers will need about when the closure is and what arrangements they need to make to complete their journeys.

When is the part closure of the Eccles Metrolink line and where exactly will it be shut?

The closure will run from Monday 4 April until Friday 29 April and is being done so worn rails can be replaced in a number of different locations between Eccles and MediaCity UK.

Tram services will continue to operate as normal between Ashton and MediaCityUK, with more double trams on the line.

A like-for-like bus replacement service will also operate between Eccles and MediaCityUK.

Metrolink staff will also be around at key locations at busier times to help travellers make their journeys, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said.

Passengers will also be able to go online and visit a dedicated page at TfGM’s website giving information about alternative transport options.

What has been said about the closure?

TfGM apologised for what it said was inevitable disruption over the several weeks the line will be shut but said the work had to be done to ensure the network was safe and reliable.

Head of Metrolink, Daniel Vaughan, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience we know this partial closure of the Eccles line will cause, but we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption.

“The Metrolink Eccles line is undergoing a planned programme of essential maintenance works to replace the 20-year-old rails and ensure we can continue to operate a safe and reliable service for years to come.”

“We’ll have a like-for-like bus replacement service in place, staff out along the line and contractors working around the clock to complete this project as soon as possible.

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

Metrolink passengers have faced some disruption this year with the Ashton line being closed for essential maintenance work and trams being rerouted through the city centre while tracks were replaced.

And the April shutdown is not the end of the inconvenience either, with several more engineering projects on the network planned for later in 2022.