Final phase of Manchester tram track Works set to beginJuly 15, 2025Track replacement between two key tram stops in Manchester city centre is nearing completion, with almost two-thirds of the works now finished. The final phase of theGBP 147 million programmewill begin next week, continuing the largest coordinated track renewal effort on the Metrolink network to date.The work, taking place between Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Gardens, is being carried out in three stages and is part of a wider investment programme running through to 2027. With around 300 tram movements passing through this section in each direction daily, replacing ageing infrastructure is critical to maintaining safety, reliability and accessibility on the countrys largest light rail network.The current stage at Piccadilly Gardens and Portland Street is scheduled to complete by 17 July. The next phase will shift to the junction of Aytoun Street and Auburn Street, running from 19 July to 10 August.A series of traffic management measures will be introduced during this period, including:Closure of a section of Aytoun Street to all traffic.Diversions via Minshull Street, Portland Street, Piccadilly, Gore Street and Chatham Street.Temporary suspension of bus and taxi only lanes on Portland Street to allow general traffic flow towards Newton Street.Chatham Street to be made two-way temporarily, lifting the no entry restriction from Piccadilly to maintain local access.Temporary two-way access introduced on parts of Aytoun Street and Auburn Street, where one-way traffic normally operates.Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has advised both drivers and tram passengers to plan ahead and consult the Bee Network website or app for updates. The summer schedule was selected to avoid the football season and partially coincide with school holidays, helping to minimise disruption during traditionally quieter travel periods. Plans have also been put in place to manage increased demand from major events, including a series of concerts at Heaton Park.Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: Work is progressing well on this major piece of our coordinated package of track replacement works and we thank everyone for their patience while these upgrades are carried out. Metrolink forms a key part of the Bee Network playing a vital role in supporting growth and connecting people to jobs, education and leisure opportunities.Vaughan added: With more people leaving the car at home and getting on board the Bee Network, its important we continually invest in the network to keep it safe, reliable and accessible for years to come.Service ChangesThe works will lead to temporary changes to tram services:Altrincham and Bury serviceswill not stop at Piccadilly Gardens or Piccadilly Station. Instead, services will run via Market Street.Ashton and Etihad Campus serviceswill terminate at Piccadilly Station. Signage will guide passengers to Market Street for city connections. Free, fully accessible bus services will connect passengers to other key stops, including St Peters Square, Deansgate Castlefield and Victoria. A replacement bus service will operate outside of standard free bus hours.Eccles (via MediaCityUK) serviceswill run to Victoria via Market Street.MediaCityUK to Etihad Campus peak serviceswill be suspended. Additional double trams will be introduced on the EcclesVictoria via MediaCityUK route to increase capacity.Further essential engineering works are also planned at Pomona and on the Eccles line between Saturday 2 August and Sunday 10 August. During this period, no trams will run on the Eccles via MediaCityUK line or between Cornbrook and Wharfside. Trafford Park line services will be limited to the WharfsideTrafford Centre section. A replacement bus service will cover the Eccles to Piccadilly route via Wharfside, stopping at all affected locations.Share on:RECOMMENDED EVENT: