A multi-media campaign launched today to get Metrolink passengers ready for the final phase of transformation work at the St Peter’s Square stop, set to open this summer.
The campaign also covers forthcoming changes to the Eccles line for essential track maintenance.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is building a new, much larger stop in St Peter’s Square, a key destination on the new Metrolink Second City Crossing, currently under construction.
This summer sees the end of the 14-month construction project to build an expanded stop that is ready for more trams running through the city, more often.

As the work involved will take place close to the track, Metrolink services through the square will be suspended from Sunday 26 June to the end of August, meaning no north/south cross-city tram services will operate.

During the same period Metrolink operator MRDL will replace sections of track on the Eccles line, which is now 16 years old.
In order to complete the work as efficiently as possible, the line will also close from Sunday 26 June. Tram services are expected to resume between Deansgate-Castlefield and MediaCityUK in early August, with the full line reopening at the end of August.

Throughout the work, replacement bus services and signed walking routes will ensure customers have good access to the city and key destinations along the Eccles line. Full details will be announced soon at www.metrolink.co.uk. Train services from Eccles and Patricroft rail stations to/from the city will operate as normal.
Peter Cushing, TfGM Metrolink Director, said: “This is an exciting time for Metrolink with some historic changes on the way for St Peter’s Square. We’re just months away from opening up a new, much bigger stop that will be a game-changer for city centre services when the new Second City Crossing opens early next year.
“We can’t complete the stop without full access to the work site and, as we set out last year, that means no tram services through the square for approximately nine weeks.
“Last summer we made similar changes to services so we’re confident we’ll provide the right mix of replacement bus services and information to support our customers through this time.
“Thanks once again to all our passengers for bearing with us as we work to improve the service we provide. I’m sure they’ll be impressed with the results at St Peter’s Square.”
The Eccles line improvement work has also been scheduled to take place during the quieter summer period. Peter added: “Unfortunately several sections of rail on the Eccles line are showing signs of significant wear.
“To limit the impact on customers we’ve worked with Metrolink’s operator and maintainer, MRDL, to get this essential work done at the same time as St Peter’s Square, with fewer passengers affected during the quieter summer holiday period.
“Again, full bus replacement services will be in operation and we are speaking to residents and businesses right along the route to keep them fully informed of the work that is being done.
“While there will inevitably be some disruption, by coordinating and delivering both projects simultaneously we hope to minimise the overall impact this will have.”

The transformation of St Peter’s Square is part of a city centre stop improvement programme that has seen a new stop built at Exchange Square, multi-million pound revamps of Deansgate-Castlefield and Victoria stops, and improvements at Market Street stop.
The stop will have two new island style platforms and two sets of track in each direction, allowing more services to run through it on the existing lines and the new Second City Crossing.

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