Essential work to install a new overhead electric line at the revamped Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop will see replacement bus services running between Trafford Bar and Piccadilly this weekend.
The major transformation works at the stop started earlier this year and will allow more flexible and frequent services to run through the city centre.
The Deansgate-Castlefield stop will be closed on Saturday and Sunday meaning that services from the south will run as far as Cornbrook stop for connections between Eccles, MediaCityUK, Altrincham, Chorlton, East Didsbury and Airport line services.
Replacement bus services will run between Trafford Bar and Piccadilly both days.
Passengers using the Deansgate-Castlefield stop will benefit from a new inbound island platform, a new outbound platform and two new track cross-overs – allowing trams to turn back in both directions.
Works this weekend will see the installation of new overhead lines above the new track that loops around the newly constructed inbound platform. Work will also be undertaken to improve the tracks at the stop.
Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “We don’t undertake a weekend stop closure lightly – especially at this time of year – but these are essential works that can only be carried out safely under a full stop closure when trams are not running.
“It’s essential we do this work now to remain on schedule to finish improvements at Deansgate-Castlefield next summer, so we can move on to the next phase of Metrolink upgrades at St Peter’s Square.
“There are no more planned Metrolink improvement works that will affect services in the city centre until the new year.
The Deansgate-Castlefield work will be complete by summer 2015, after which work to transform the St Peter’s Square stop will get under way.
