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Monday, 16 April 2007Multi-million pound Metrolink improvements on track
Transport bosses are launching an information campaign this week to keep passengers up-to-date about plans to replace nearly 20 miles of worn-out Metrolink track this summer.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is investing more than £100 million on improvements to the existing Metrolink network, which will also include new ticket machines, stop upgrades and introducing eight new trams during 2009.
Posters about the work to replace track on the Bury and Altrincham lines are being put up on trams and at Metrolink stops and thousands of leaflets about the work will be available for passengers.
GMPTE's Interim Chief Executive, David Leather, said: "We'll be closing sections of the Metrolink lines from the end of May so that we can begin replacing the track, which is more than 50 years old in some places. We expect to have all of the work finished by mid-September.
"The track on the Bury and Altrincham lines was used by trains before Metrolink took over the routes in 1992 and has become noisy for residents and uncomfortable for passengers. It's also making the Metrolink service unreliable as the trams need frequent repairs.
"We decided to carry out the work during the summer months as fewer people will be using Metrolink. I hope passengers will bear with us until it's finished as the trams will be much smoother and more reliable when the lines reopen."
GMPTE plans to keep as much of the Metrolink network open as possible while the work takes place, and trams will carry on operating on the Eccles line and in the city centre throughout the summer.
Services will continue to run between Crumpsall and Manchester, and between Old Trafford and Manchester during May, June and most of July. And trams will also operate between Whitefield and Manchester during May and most of June.
Replacement bus services will be provided for Metrolink passengers when stops are closed. Express services will run to and from Manchester from Bury and Altrincham, as well as stopping services.
The new track will be transported on the East Lancashire Railway, saving approximately 4,000 lorry journeys on local roads. Up to five extra trains will run daily in each direction on the section of the line between Heywood and Bury.
Passengers can find out more information about the work to replace track on the Bury and Altrincham Metrolink lines at www.gmpte.com/metrolink or by calling 0161 228 7811.
Media contact: David Harris or Becky Marr on 0161 244 1055, or email communications@gmpte.gov.uk
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