TfGM announced track works for 19 October–1 November 2026, with tram closures, replacement shuttles and specific ticket acceptance arrangements.
Track replacement and travel changes
Metrolink works scheduled by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) affect journeys through Trafford and Eccles from 19 October to 1 November 2026. Around four kilometres of track between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield are scheduled for replacement. TfGM has announced Metrolink line closures, shortened services and replacement travel during that period.
Dates and location of the Metrolink works
TfGM set out the programme in its 12 October track replacement announcement. It identifies the section between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield as the location of the work.
TfGM’s events and travel information also lists the disruption for 19 October to 1 November 2026. Both official sources give the same date range.
The announced works period is under way as at 23 October 2026.
Tram lines affected
The 12 October release announced closures of the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines. TfGM’s events page calls the last of these the Trafford Centre line. These are different descriptions of the same affected line, not separate closures.
The announced Metrolink line closures are only part of the changes. East Didsbury and Manchester Airport trams were scheduled to terminate at Firswood, while Rochdale services were scheduled to terminate at Exchange Square.
Replacement travel arrangements
For passengers affected by the Metrolink works, TfGM announced express shuttles linking the city centre with Sale, Chorlton, Trafford Centre and MediaCityUK. It also announced a direct Altrincham–Piccadilly express scheduled to run every 15 minutes.
The 15-minute frequency was announced for the Altrincham–Piccadilly express. The other express shuttles serve selected stops.
There are separate arrangements for Manchester United–Bournemouth on 25 October. In its 21 October matchday travel update, TfGM announced that there would be no Old Trafford tram service for the fixture.
Dedicated match shuttles were announced from Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and Trafford Centre, with return services afterwards. These arrangements address travel to and from that match, rather than describing the everyday replacement network.
Metrolink ticket acceptance in the announcement
The 12 October announcement specifies 7-day, 28-day and annual Metrolink passes for acceptance on regular Bee Network buses and the listed Northern rail connections.
The Northern connections link the city centre with Altrincham/Navigation Road, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and Eccles.
For replacement bus services, TfGM’s works information says any valid Metrolink ticket is accepted. This differs from the pass-specific arrangements for regular bus and Northern rail services.