Eccles Metrolink line set to reopen 16th August after completion of safety-critical engineering works

The Eccles line was closed on Monday 19th July to enable access to two sections of the track to replace them. 

The replacements were supposed to be completed over a two-week period was extended for a month, but it became evident that an additional concrete renewal alongside the track replacement was required after the tram track had been in place for over 20 years. 

Both concrete and tram tracks have been successfully replaced in more sections than initially set out to that the line is as durable as possible, the remainders of the line will also be assessed by the engineers to determine if further work is needed in future.  

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Metrolink, Daniel Vaughan said: “We are delighted to get the Eccles line back up and running in time for schools reopening and as more customers make a move back to the office.” Daniel Vaughan sends his apologies to Eccles line passengers that were affected by the extended period of work. 

The Keolis Amey network will be running temporarily with timetables for the service scheduled at ever 12 minutes. The reduced timetables will be continued through August due to the impact of Coronavirus on Metrolink staff. There have been plans put in place to introduce more frequent schedules in September prior to the return of school and workplace.