Metrolink services suspended
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has announced Metrolink services between Altrincham and Old Trafford are currently suspended due to significant damage to an overhead power line in the Timperley area.
GMPTE said the services are expected to remain suspended until some point on Thursday 19 August.
The incident happened at around 7.30am on Monday, near to Timperley on the Altrincham line. Rectification is already underway and an investigation into the cause will also be carried out.
A regular replacement bus service, calling at all affected stops including Trafford Bar, will run until Metrolink services resume. Trams will continue to run between Old Trafford and Piccadilly and services on the Bury and Eccles lines are operating normally.
Philip Purdy, GMPTE's Metrolink director, said: "I would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen incident, but can assure passengers that we are doing everything we can to get services up and running again.
"Technicians will be working around the clock to ensure services can resume as soon as possible and to identify the cause.
"However, because of the scale of the damage that has been caused to the overhead lines and associated infrastructure, services between Altrincham and Old Trafford are not expected to resume until some point on Thursday.
"We will be providing replacement buses in the meantime and passengers can check the Metrolink website, where regular service updates will be provided."
GMPTE said Metrolink staff are on hand at all city centre stops, as well as stops along the Altrincham line, to advise passengers on how to complete their journeys. PA announcements are also being made at stops and on board trams.
Anyone attending the Manchester United v Newcastle United Premier League match at Old Trafford tonight will still be able to travel between the city centre and Old Trafford by tram.
Passengers can also use the Eccles line service to get to and from the match, by using the Exchange Quay stop.
Anyone heading to the match from Altrincham will be able to use the replacement bus services, which will be increased in light of the expected demand.
- Passengers can check Metrolink website for regular service updates
