The next phase of a £150 million investment programme to modernise Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network is getting under way this month, with major track replacement work designed to improve safety, reliability and long‑term resilience across the system.
The essential engineering works form part of a wider package of upgrades being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and will require temporary service changes while teams complete a series of complex interventions on key sections of the network.
Two‑week closure on Oldham–Rochdale line
From Saturday 16 to Friday 29 May, no tram services will operate between Victoria and Rochdale town centre. The closure is required to allow significant improvement work to take place on the Oldham–Rochdale line, one of the busiest corridors on the Metrolink network.
Engineering teams will focus on the section between Monsall and Newton Heath & Moston, where worn track components are being replaced and drainage along the route upgraded. Works will include replacing sections of track foundation where required, correcting alignment issues and restoring track levels to improve ride quality and operational performance.
The scale of the programme reflects the condition and age of the infrastructure involved. In total, the project will use 290 new concrete sleepers, 2,000 tonnes of pea gravel, and replace more than 5,000 tonnes of ballast.
Once completed, the work will allow a number of temporary speed restrictions, currently in place for safety reasons, to be removed. This is expected to deliver smoother journeys, greater reliability and improved resilience for years to come.
Long‑term stabilisation work at Derker
To minimise disruption to passengers, additional works will also be carried out at Derker during the same period. The site was made safe following a landslip in summer 2024, and TfGM is now progressing a longer‑term engineering solution.
This phase will see teams install steel sheet piling into the ground to stabilise the area and prevent further movement. TfGM has confirmed that further work will be required later in the year to complete the full remediation programme.
Piccadilly Gardens upgrades scheduled
Further disruption is planned in the city centre later in the month. From Monday 25 to Friday 29 May, improvement works will take place at Piccadilly Gardens, where equipment dating back to the line’s original opening in 1992 is being upgraded.
During this period, no trams will operate between St Peter’s Square/Market Street and Piccadilly, with alternative arrangements put in place to support passengers.
TfGM: essential work for long‑term resilience
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said:
“These improvements are part of our continued £150m investment to make our tram network safer, more reliable and more resilient for the long term.
“It’s a really big job, which means we have to close the line to get it done, but in the longer term this will make a real difference to everyone that travels with us.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience while this essential work takes place. We’ll have replacement bus services in place, and our staff will be out across the network to help everyone make their journey as usual.
“I’d strongly encourage everyone travelling during this period to plan ahead, as some tram services will need to change while we carry out this essential work. The best way for customers to stay informed and plan their journey is by using the Bee Network website or app.”
TfGM is advising passengers and businesses to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys while the work is carried out, with replacement bus services operating and staff deployed across the network to assist customers.
Image credits: iStock
