Salford commuters have been urged to plan ahead as the tram network prepares for its “busiest day of the year”.
More than 40,000 people are expected to take part in Sunday’s Manchester Marathon, with thousands more set to cheer friends and family on.
The popular marathon will lead to several road closures and tram diversions across Greater Manchester and around Salford Quays and Ordsall.
Meanwhile, thousands of football fans are expected to travel by tram to the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City’s Premier League title clash with rivals Arsenal, leading to heavier use of the network.
Transport for Greater Manchester warned that Sunday, 19 April is expected to be the busiest day of the year on the region’s trams and asked that people prepare their journeys in advance.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The Manchester Marathon is one of the best days of the year, with thousands of people taking to the streets to break PBs and raise money for good causes with many more there to cheer everyone on.
“That day will also see Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Etihad with a sell-out crowd expected for a match which is going to be key for where the Premier League title may end up.
“This does mean the city centre and especially trams will be incredibly busy so please plan ahead and give yourself extra time to make journeys.
“The Bee Network app and website will be the best places to get the latest travel information and tap and go contactless payments are the quickest and easiest way to pay.”
Runners in Sunday’s Greater Manchester marathon will set off from the Trafford Arch, near Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium from 8.55am, with the 26.2 mile route covering areas such as Deansgate, Stretford, Sale, Chorlton and Altrincham before finishing outside the University of Manchester on Oxford Road.
The race will continue for much of the day, with the last wave of runners setting off at 11.30am and the cut-off time being six hours after the last participant has started the race.
There will be several road closures in Manchester and Trafford to enable the marathon to take place. These are likely to cause congestion and delays in the affected areas and there will be widespread bus diversions.
TfGM said that the tram system will be the best way to get around on the day. The transport provider explained that Altrincham and East Didsbury lines will be very busy – and people may have to wait to board a tram and should allow at least 30 minutes extra time for travel.
While the marathon will not pass directly through Salford this weekend, services on the Eccles line – which runs into central Manchester through Ladywell, Langworthy, Broadway, Media City, Harbour City, Broadway and Salford Quays – are likely to see higher passenger numbers.
