The Altrincham Metrolink line will close for two weeks from Monday as major improvement works get underway at Deansgate-Castlefield and Trafford Bar.
It is the second lengthy shutdown of the line in just three months, following a three-week closure during the summer.
No trams will run anywhere on the Altrincham line until Monday November 2, with the Eccles and Trafford Centre lines also closed during the same period.
But there is some good news for commuters. Following an initial announcement that no replacement buses would operate from Altrincham, Transport for Greater Manchester has introduced a direct shuttle service between Altrincham and Manchester Piccadilly.
Here's everything you need to know to keep moving while the trams are off.
When exactly is the Altrincham line closed?
The entire line will be closed from the start of service on Monday October 19 until the end of service on Sunday November 1.
Normal services are scheduled to resume on Monday November 2, although some minor changes to tram routes through Manchester city centre will remain in place until Wednesday November 4.
How do I get from Altrincham to Manchester?
A new non-stop express shuttle bus will run between Altrincham Interchange and Manchester Piccadilly railway station.
The service will operate every 15 minutes, seven days a week, between 7am and 7pm.
The timetable confirms:
- Buses leave Altrincham Interchange, Stand B, at 7am, 7.15am, 7.30am and 7.45am, continuing every 15 minutes until 7pm.
- The first bus is scheduled to arrive at Manchester Piccadilly at 7.42am.
- The final 7pm departure from Altrincham is scheduled to arrive at 7.42pm.
The journey is scheduled to take approximately 42 minutes, although TfGM warns that timings are approximate and services may be affected by traffic.
For the return journey, buses depart from Minshull Street, at the bus stop on Aytoun Street near Piccadilly, every 15 minutes from 7am until 7pm.
The return journey is scheduled to take approximately 44 minutes, with buses arriving at Altrincham Interchange, Stand B.
Crucially, this is a non-stop service, so passengers cannot board or leave the shuttle at intermediate tram stops such as Navigation Road, Timperley, Brooklands or Sale.
View the Altrincham–Piccadilly shuttle timetable.
What if I normally use Timperley, Navigation Road or Brooklands?
Unlike during the summer closure, there will not be a replacement bus calling at every tram stop between Altrincham and Manchester.
Passengers at Timperley and Brooklands will need to use existing Bee Network buses or make their way to Altrincham or Sale to join a shuttle service.
Navigation Road passengers also have the option of using Northern trains into Manchester.
The 263 bus runs from Altrincham through Broadheath, Sale and Stretford to Piccadilly Gardens, although journeys can take more than 70 minutes during the morning rush hour.
Passengers at Sale will have a separate replacement bus service to Manchester, calling at Stretford, Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield.
That service will run every 10 minutes.
Passengers should check the Bee Network journey planner for the most suitable route from their usual stop.
Can I take the train instead?
Yes, and for many passengers travelling from Altrincham or Navigation Road it may be the quickest option.
Northern trains run from Altrincham and Navigation Road to Manchester Piccadilly, with journeys typically taking around half an hour.
There is an important change to ticket arrangements compared with the summer closure.
TfGM has confirmed that passengers holding seven-day, 28-day or annual Metrolink passes will be able to use them on rail services between Altrincham or Navigation Road and Manchester city centre during the works.
Passengers without an eligible pass will need to buy the appropriate train ticket.
Train passengers should check the latest Northern timetable before travelling.
Can I use my tram ticket on a normal bus?
TfGM has introduced special ticket acceptance arrangements during the closure, but these do not apply to every type of tram ticket.
Passengers with seven-day, 28-day or annual passes can use a range of Bee Network bus services serving the Altrincham corridor.
These include the 15, 23, 25, 41, 53, 79, 245, 248, 249, 250, 255, 256, 263, 281, 285 and 286.
Passengers without an eligible pass will need to pay the appropriate fare for regular bus journeys.
The normal adult Bee Network single bus fare is £2.
What if I need to travel before 7am or after 7pm?
The direct Altrincham–Piccadilly shuttle operates only between 7am and 7pm.
Outside those hours, passengers will need to use other public transport options, including regular Bee Network buses and trains where services are available.
The 263 provides a connection between Altrincham and Manchester and operates into the evening, with some overnight services.
Passengers should plan ahead, particularly if travelling early in the morning or late at night.
What if I'm travelling beyond Manchester city centre?
Several other tram routes will continue to operate, although passengers may need to change between replacement buses and trams.
Services will continue between Bury and Ashton-under-Lyne, with some additional Bury–Etihad and Victoria–Etihad services.
East Didsbury and Manchester Airport trams will terminate at Firswood, with replacement buses continuing towards the city centre.
Rochdale services will terminate at Exchange Square.
Other express replacement bus services will operate from Chorlton, MediaCityUK and the Trafford Centre, as well as Sale.
Passengers travelling across Greater Manchester should use TfGM's journey planner to identify the best available connection.
What about Manchester United and Manchester City matches?
Several football fixtures will take place during the closure, potentially increasing demand for buses and other public transport.
Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday October 25.
Manchester City also have three home fixtures during the works: AEK Athens on Tuesday October 20, Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday October 28 and Brighton again in the Premier League on Saturday October 31.
TfGM is advising supporters to check its dedicated matchday travel information and allow extra time.
Why is the line closing again?
The works are taking place at Deansgate-Castlefield and Trafford Bar, two important junctions on the Metrolink network.
TfGM says additional improvement work will also be carried out in Manchester city centre during the same period, helping to reduce the need for further closures.
The shutdown follows the three-week closure of the Altrincham line in July and August, which formed part of a wider programme of investment in the Metrolink network.
Key dates at a glance
- Monday October 19: Altrincham line closes; replacement services begin.
- Sunday November 1: Final day of the two-week closure.
- Monday November 2: Tram services resume, with some city centre route changes.
- Wednesday November 4: Final day of the additional city centre route changes.
For full replacement bus timetables, live travel updates and journey planning, visit the Bee Network's major tram works page.
