Bee Network tram services have resumed on key lines in Greater Manchester after major track replacement work was successfully completed on time and on budget, marking an important milestone in this year’s programme of improvement work.
The work, which took place between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield during a planned three-week closure, was completed on schedule, with trams running again on the Eccles, Trafford Centre and Altrincham lines from this morning (Monday 3 August).
It forms part of a wider £150 million investment to maintain, upgrade and improve Greater Manchester’s tram network through to 2027, helping to keep services safe, reliable and resilient for years to come.
Engineers worked throughout July to replace around 1.6km of track between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield, one of the busiest and most complex parts of the network.
The project involved replacing ageing track, sleepers and drainage at a critical point of the network where several tram lines come together. Specialist lifting equipment was used for the first time in the UK, reflecting the scale and complexity of the job.
Follow-up work is planned on the same section of track on Sunday 9 August, starting at the beginning of the day and continuing into the afternoon.
Elsewhere, a curved section of track on the Eccles line was also upgraded.
With fewer trams running and several stops closed, the opportunity was also taken to carry out deep cleaning and maintenance work on trams and at stations.
Ian Davies, TfGM’s network director for Metrolink, said: “This was the biggest track upgrade project we’ve done for years and will make the tram network more reliable, resilient and safe for years to come. It also allows us to lift the speed restrictions in place on some sections from 5mph to 20mph.
“This was a large and complex piece of engineering on one of the busiest sections of light rail in Europe, and the only way we could do it was by closing some of the lines for three weeks.
“A massive thank you to passengers for their patience. We know people have had to make alternative travel plans over the last few weeks, but we’re ready to welcome people back on to our trams.
“We’ve listened carefully to passengers throughout the closure, in particular about the reliability of our replacement buses. We’ll take on board the feedback for the next phases of work.”
TfGM is reminding passengers that further planned improvement works will take place later this summer and autumn.
Passengers are encouraged to check the Bee Network app or website before travelling, allow extra time for journeys where improvement works are taking place and consider all available travel options.
Image credit: TfGM
