Salford commuters are being urged to plan ahead as a key tram line closes for three weeks from Monday.
No trams will run on the Eccles line between 13 July and Sunday, 2 August, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed.
Several other tram services will not operate at the end of May as the next stage of £150m worth of improvement works takes shape across Greater Manchester.
Commuters on the affected Salford route, which runs from Eccles through Ladywell, Langworthy, Weaste, Media City, Harbour City, Broadway and Salford Quays, will need to find an alternative way to travel.
Replacement buses will run between affected stops, with normal services due to resume from Monday, 3 August.
Tram services on several other lines will be disrupted as 1.6km of track is replaced between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield.
Ian Davies, Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said that the track upgrades will benefit commuters on one of the country’s most popular tram routes.
“The work at Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield is taking place on one of the busiest stretches of tram track in the country,” he said.
“Some sections are more than 30 years old, with 40-tonne trams running every 30 seconds at peak times – that level of 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.”
Mr Davies said the transport provider will repair the out-of-use trams while the Eccles line is closed and apologised for any disruption caused by the line being suspended.
“At the same time, we’re taking the opportunity to service our trams, helping to improve reliability when services resume”, he added.
“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.”
The three-week closure forms part of an ongoing programme of investment to maintain, upgrade and improve 6km of Metrolink.
It has been backed by almost £150 million of investment through to 2027 and aims to 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 complete the work.
Once installed, the track will be adjusted and tested to ensure it meets 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.
Ahead of the three-week closure, commuters have been urged to plan their journeys.
A TfGM spokesperson said: “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.”
More information about the improvement works is available here.
