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BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Manchester Metrolink tram disruption explained as track upgrade begins
Several trams have stopped operating in Manchester city centre as £150m worth of improvement works services are not running via Piccadilly Gardens so that older sections of tram tracks can be replaced, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) comes as the city prepares to host major events in the summer including Parklife Festival and Oasis. We have compiled a list of everything you need to know regarding the disruption including alternative routes and reasons behind the works. How long are services affected for? From 3 June to end of service on Sunday 10 August, no tram services will run via Piccadilly on the Altrincham and Bury lines will not serve Piccadilly Gardens or Piccadilly. All trams from Ashton and Etihad Campus will all terminate at the MediaCityUK – Etihad Campus peak time services will also not run during these tram services will resume on 11 August. Why is the work happening? Track replacement is part of a planned £150m package to maintain, upgrade and improve the Metrolink network up to 2027, TfGM Davies, interim Metrolink network director, said some sections of the track which were being replaced between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station dated back 30 years."This is a really big deal," he told the BBC."It is a significant piece of engineering work because some of that track has been down there for a long time. "There are approximately 300 tram movements across there in each direction every single day. We do need to replace it." Damien Chabas, managing director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, said without the improvement works the tram tracks would eventually "make the network unsafe". He said: "We run a tram on average every six minutes on those tracks, some are single and some are double trams so they put a lot of pressure onto the asset, the tracks, the points."They have been into the ground for a number of years and now they need to be replaced before they reach safety critical measures." What are the alternative routes? Mr Davies said 69 events would take place during the 68-day disruption but Metrolink was "trying to make sure we have enough capacity across the network to move all of those people to where they need to be." Alternative routes include: Trams on the Altrincham and Bury lines will run between Altrincham and Bury via Market StreetEccles services (via MediaCityUK) will run to Victoria via Market StreetThere will be extra double trams on the Eccles – Victoria via MediaCityUK serviceA signposted walking route will be in place between the Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly stops: including a wheelchair accessible free bus 1 and 2 services, or replacement bus service running outside usual free bus operating times Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port reopens
Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port reopens After months of uncertainty and disruption, the UK's second busiest port is set to return Damage to the Terminal 3 berth at Holyhead Port led to severe disruption (Image: @dafyddwedwards, Plans & Drones ) Stena Line has confirmed that Holyhead Port's Terminal 3 (T3) will reopen on July 1, following the completion of necessary repairs. This marks the end of a prolonged closure that has impacted operations at one of the UK's busiest ports since December 2024. The Stena Line-owned port was shut down on December 7, 2024, after two separate incidents in which ships made contact with the port's infrastructure. The damage occurred just before Storm Darragh hit the region, bringing gusts of wind over 93mph to North Wales. The extreme weather conditions further contributed to the damage to T3, which ultimately led to the closure of the port; leaving residents and visitors in a state of uncertainty. It was reported in March that during a meeting of the Senedd's economy committee, Ian Davies of Stena Line Ports outlined the structural issues that led to the shutdown. According to Mr Davies, the two main terminals at the port, T3 and T5, are supported by steel piles. T3, the terminal most affected, had one of these steel piles collapse after the second incident in late December, forcing the full closure of the port. The closure of Holyhead Port has had a noticeable impact on local businesses in the town, as fewer ferry passengers have been arriving. Speaking to WalesOnline at the start of the year, Erdinc Baysan, who runs Mete's Smash Burger on Market Street, shared the struggles of local traders. "Irish and American passengers come off the ferry into Holyhead town centre," he explained. "We get the passing trade and they have takeaways, chips, wraps and milkshakes. But our customers are down about 25 per cent." Holyhead Port is crucial to the region, handling around 1.8 million passengers, 400,000 freight units, and 400 cars every year. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Article continues below Although the port has been closed for several months, Stena Line has continued to run a full sailing schedule between Dublin and Holyhead since January, using Terminal 5. However, some changes to the timetable had to be made due to the limited capacity at the port. Johan Edelman, Stena Line's Trade Director for the Irish Sea South, expressed optimism about the upcoming reopening. "We are pleased with the news that Holyhead Port plan to have T3 returned to operation on July, 1," he said. "Whilst the frequency of our ferry services on the Dublin-Holyhead route have not been impacted by the closure of T3, we have had to make some minor adjustments to our sailing timetable." Mr Edelman also thanked Stena Line's customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our freight and travel customers for their understanding over the last several months," he added. Stena Line's customer service teams have already begun informing freight and travel customers about the reopening of T3, and the company will update its web booking system and social media channels with the revised sailing timetable, which will come into effect on 1 July. The reopening of Terminal 3 will restore full operational capacity to Holyhead Port, ensuring normal service levels for passengers and freight. Article continues below
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Passengers warned to plan ahead as Bury trams to stop running this weekend
Passengers warned to plan ahead as Bury trams to stop running this weekend Some services on the Metrolink Bury line will not be running this weekend (Image: Anthony Moss/TfGM) Passengers are being warned to plan ahead this weekend as essential work begins on the Bury Metrolink line. Work to replace beams supporting the roof at the Victorian-era Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday, May 10 or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday, May 11. A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: "Some weekend and overnight working will be carried out to secure and protect the overhead line equipment so the beam replacement work can be completed as safely and quickly as possible. "Noisier work will take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, with noise reduction measures such as acoustic blankets and enclosures also put in place." ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts. There will also be changes to services on the Bury line on the following dates: - Sunday, May 25- no tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury - Monday 26 to Thursday, May 29 - no tram services will operate between Whitefield and Bury - Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 - no tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury. A replacement bus service will run between the affected stops. READ NEXT: Candid unseen footage set to be released in Victoria Wood documentary READ NEXT: Plans to turn former church within graveyard into offices Ian Davies, TfGM's network director for Metrolink, said: 'Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come. ADVERTISEMENT "This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses 'On Saturday Metrolink tickets will be accepted on Bee Network bus services 97, 135 and 524 in addition to replacement buses operating on a 12-minute frequency, on Sunday a replacement bus service will operate on a 15-minute frequency while the works take place. 'I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.' The most up-to-date information on Metrolink service disruption from planned engineering works can be found on the TfGM website.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorists behind most tram crashes -transport boss
Crashes between trams and vehicles in Greater Manchester are mostly caused by "motorists not paying attention", public transports bosses have said. New data has shown a 30% surge in the number of collisions involving Metrolink trams and other vehicles in 2024. There were 51 collisions reported last year, up from 39 incidents in 2023. Ian Davies, interim Metrolink network director, said "in most cases" crashes were down to car drivers not being vigilant when driving close to the tram network. Mr Davies said several safety campaigns had been held as a result to raise awareness among motorists, "particularly where the trams and cars share road space". The collision data, obtained via a freedom of information request, showed crashes hit a peak of 52 in 2022, up from 39 and 33 incidents in 2021, and 2020, when services were reduced due to the Covid pandemic. One tram driver, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service "we're in the hands of other road users". He said: "I would estimate that a good 99% of accidents are not down to tram drivers." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Transport for Greater Manchester
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorists behind most tram crashes -transport boss
Crashes between trams and vehicles in Greater Manchester are mostly caused by "motorists not paying attention", public transports bosses have said. New data has shown a 30% surge in the number of collisions involving Metrolink trams and other vehicles in 2024. There were 51 collisions reported last year, up from 39 incidents in 2023. Ian Davies, interim Metrolink network director, said "in most cases" crashes were down to car drivers not being vigilant when driving close to the tram network. Mr Davies said several safety campaigns had been held as a result to raise awareness among motorists, "particularly where the trams and cars share road space". The collision data, obtained via a freedom of information request, showed crashes hit a peak of 52 in 2022, up from 39 and 33 incidents in 2021, and 2020, when services were reduced due to the Covid pandemic. One tram driver, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service "we're in the hands of other road users". He said: "I would estimate that a good 99% of accidents are not down to tram drivers." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Transport for Greater Manchester
