Specialist lifting equipment will be used in the UK for the first time when upgrades to Metrolink continue this month, with tracks being replaced at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will also replace several lifts at tram stations at the same time.
From Monday 13 July to Sunday 2 August, TfGM will replace around 1.6km of track – parts of which are more than 30 years old – at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield, as well as working on a separate section on the Eccles line at the same time.
The track between Trafford Bar and St Peter’s Square is one of the busiest sections of light-rail in the world, with one tram passing through every 30 seconds for 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
While the work is being done, no trams will run on the Eccles, Trafford Centre and Altrincham lines. Services on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines will terminate at Firswood, while services on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square.
Replacement buses will run between affected stops, with normal services due to resume from Monday 3 August. There will be a special event bus service running for the cricket at Old Trafford on 26 and 31 July (The Hundred, Manchester Super Giants vs Birmingham and then Trent Rockets).
Work will also take place at Eccles and the city centre around Piccadilly Gardens during this closure (13 July-29 July). This will help to reduce the need for further disruptions to the network.
programme of investment to maintain, upgrade and improve 6km of Metrolink. Backed by almost £150 million of investment through to 2027, the programme will ensure Greater Manchester’s tram network remains safe, reliable and resilient for years to come.
More than 3,000 tonnes of new rail and 800 new concrete sleepers will be fitted as part of the scheme, with a team of 70 engineers working across three sites throughout the summer to get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Once installed the track will be carefully adjusted and tested to ensure it meets strict safety standards and trams travel smoothly and efficiently along it.
Such is the complexity of the work required where the Eccles and Altrincham lines meet at Cornbrook, it will be the first time a type of specialist lifting equipment has been used in the UK. The innovative Genesis Panel Lifters will help engineers work more efficiently and support delivery of the programme within planned timescales.
Due to the scale of the work at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield – and to keep disruption to a minimum – there will also be a further two-week closure in the autumn to complete this phase.
While all this work takes place, trams will be taken for inspection, maintenance and deep cleaning – further contributing to improved reliability and a better passenger experience once they are back on the tracks. Meanwhile drivers will be trained on new safety regulations and new safety equipment on trams.
Improving access for passengers who rely on it most
Alongside this work, a separate £1.7 million investment will fund the replacement of eight ageing lifts at tram stops across the network over the coming months.
The first lifts to be replaced will be at Heaton Park (from 29 July 2026) and Failsworth (from 3 August 2026), with further work planned at Hollinwood, Freehold, Dane Road, Brooklands, Chorlton and Firswood. Each lift replacement is expected to take around four to eight weeks, during which time the affected lift will be out of service.
The lift renewal programme is focused on improving the reliability of step-free access across the tram network – particularly for disabled passengers, older people and those travelling with pushchairs or heavy bags.
Some lifts are experiencing ongoing issues and replacing them will provide a more reliable, long-term solution and help ensure that the network is accessible to everyone.
TfGM is working closely with accessibility groups and will deploy staff at key stops to support customers. Passengers who need extra help completing their journey will be able to contact TfGM in advance to arrange support, with teams on hand to offer advice and assistance based on individual needs.
Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said:
“The work at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield is taking place on one of the busiest stretches of tram track in the country. Some sections are more than 30 years old, with 40-tonne trams running every 30 seconds at peak times – that level wear and tear takes its toll, which is why this work is so important.
“It’s one of the most complex parts of the network to access, requiring a carefully planned approach to carry out the work safely and efficiently. These upgrades will also help us reduce journey times and make services more reliable for passengers.
“At the same time, we’re taking the opportunity to service our trams, helping to improve reliability when services resume. We’re also replacing lifts at a number of stops to provide more dependable step-free access.
“We’re sorry for the disruption. We know it can be annoying, and while these essential upgrades take place we will do everything we can to keep people moving.”
Passengers are encouraged to check the Bee Network website and app for the latest travel information, including replacement bus details and journey planning advice. Customers who need assistance can also speak to staff or use the Help Points available at tram stops.
