Salford residents to face temporary service changes this evening as damaged track is repaired

Salford residents should expect temporary services changes this evening after a damaged piece of track was discovered.

The track that was damaged in Manchester City Centre require repairs but will cause disruptions to those travelling between Eccles this evening.

Work to replace a section of rail on the outbound line at Deansgate-Castlefield will start at 6pm tonight (Tuesday 8^th April).

Services are expected to run as normal tomorrow, but passengers are advised to check before they travel.

A reduced service will operate between around 4.30pm and 7pm, with trams running every 12-minutes on the following service pattern until the end of the day.

And those commuting between Eccles and Cornbrook can expect an affected service of trams this evening.

Following the service disruptions, Ian Davies, TfGM’s Metrolink Network Director, said: “I am very sorry for the disruption this will cause, but the safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority.

“That’s why we’ve moved quickly to put plans in place to repair the damaged rail as soon as possible. Our teams will work throughout the night with the aim of having services running again as normal tomorrow morning.”

He continued: “In the meantime, there will be temporary service changes from this evening until the start of service tomorrow morning.

“I would urge anyone planning to travel on Metrolink during this time to plan ahead, check our social media channels and website for the latest information and advice.”

Metrolink ticket acceptance will be in place from 4pm on Bee Network bus services to Ashton and the Trafford Centre, with passengers also able to use the Manchester city centre free bus (service 1) to reach Deansgate-Castlefield.

Ticket acceptance will also cover cross-city rail services to and from Deansgate-Castlefield, as well as trains operating from the city centre to Ashton, Altrincham, Eccles, Manchester Airport, and Rochdale.

All ticket acceptance will remain in place until 9am tomorrow.

And tap and go customers are advised not to tap on when boarding services and inform the driver they are using it as a replacement service.

There will also be a delay between Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield, East Didsbury to Deansgate-Castlefield, Airport to Firswood, Rochdale Town Centre to Exchange Square and Bury to Victoria.

More information about this evening’s disruptions can be found here.