£150m investment to upgrade Greater Manchester Metrolink network
Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest construction and civil engineering news.
Transport for Greater Manchester has launched a major £150m programme to strengthen the capacity, reliability and resilience of the Metrolink tram network.
The investment will fund a series of maintenance, upgrade and improvement works across tracks, trams and workforce development throughout 2026. The programme is designed to ensure the network can support growing passenger demand while maintaining safe and reliable services across Greater Manchester.
Metrolink forms a key part of the Bee Network, the region’s integrated transport system, and carries millions of passengers each year. As demand continues to rise, infrastructure improvements are seen as essential to maintaining service reliability and long term network performance.
Transport for Greater Manchester said the works will take place at multiple locations across the network from spring through to autumn. While the programme is underway, passengers should expect temporary disruption on some routes.
Officials say the investment will strengthen the underlying infrastructure of the tram network and reduce the likelihood of faults that can affect services.
Key infrastructure upgrades across the tram network
Engineering works will be carried out at several strategic locations across the Metrolink system. Key areas scheduled for improvements include Trafford Bar, Deansgate Castlefield, Monsall, Newton Heath and Moston, Eccles, Derker and Piccadilly Gardens.
These works will involve upgrades to tram tracks and other infrastructure to improve reliability and support future passenger growth.
Some lines will need to close temporarily while work is carried out, with closures scheduled in advance to minimise disruption. Transport for Greater Manchester said passengers will receive plenty of notice of planned closures to allow them to plan journeys.
The first major engineering phase will take place during the Easter weekend between 3 and 6 April. Preparatory work will be carried out near Trafford Bar and Deansgate Castlefield ahead of full track replacement later in the year.
During this period, there will be no tram services on the Altrincham, Eccles and Trafford Park lines. Services on the East Didsbury and Airport lines will operate only as far as Firswood.
Rail replacement works will also take place on the Altrincham line during the same closure period.
Temporary timetable changes and increased capacity
Alongside the infrastructure works, a temporary revised timetable will operate across the network from 30 March until the autumn.
Despite the adjustments, Metrolink services will continue to run frequently, with trams operating every 15 minutes across most lines. Additional peak services will run every 7.5 minutes on the busiest routes to support passenger demand.
Transport planners will also increase the use of double trams on key parts of the network. These longer vehicles will provide greater capacity during peak travel periods while engineering work is underway.
Officials say the timetable changes will help maintain service reliability while essential upgrade work is carried out across the system.
Recruitment drive and tram maintenance programme
The infrastructure upgrades will also coincide with a major recruitment campaign aimed at strengthening the Metrolink workforce.
Transport for Greater Manchester plans to recruit and train additional tram drivers to build long term resilience in the network’s operations. Expanding the workforce is expected to improve operational flexibility and help maintain consistent service levels as passenger demand continues to grow.
During periods when certain trams are not required on the network due to timetable changes, operators will carry out deep cleaning and maintenance work across the fleet.
This programme will allow engineers to improve reliability and enhance the passenger experience by ensuring vehicles remain in good condition.
Ian Davies, network director for Metrolink at Transport for Greater Manchester, said the scale of the programme reflects the importance of maintaining a modern and dependable tram system.
He said the investment will strengthen every part of the network including tracks, vehicles and workforce capacity.
Although passengers may experience temporary disruption while work is carried out, the upgrades are intended to reduce faults, improve day to day reliability and ensure the network can continue to support the growing number of people who rely on Metrolink services across Greater Manchester.
Sources
