Trams now running on Altrincham line but there are severe delays

UPDATE: Trams are now running though on the Altrincham line, but with severe delays. 

Commuters making their way home on the Altrincham tram line this evening were having to take replacement buses as work continues to retrieve a tram which has caused damage to overheard cables.

The work has been continuing throughout the afternoon, but engineers are still working on the line.

The Metrolink operator, RATP Dev Ltd, says it is currently working to recover a tram that has a damaged pantograph from Trafford Bar.

Once the tram is safely recovered, it says,  services on the Altrincham line will remain suspended while work to repair the overhead line is carried out. It is not known exactly how long that will take.

Customers are being updated via on-stop announcements, the Metrolink website and social media channels and passengers can use their tickets or passes on the 263 bus and Northern Rail services.

TfGM’s Metrolink Head of Customer Services, Rachel Spencer, said: “Engineers are working to resolve this problem as quickly as possible, but they have to do this in a controlled and safe environment.

“In order to do that, we’ve had to shut off part of the power that runs the network, resulting in a suspension of services on the Altrincham line and trams from the Airport and East Didsbury running as far as Firswood.

“While we’re aiming to restore services on the East Didsbury and Airport lines as quickly as possible, unfortunately the Altrincham line will need to remain suspended while repair work is carried out to the overhead line.

“There are currently no timescales as to when that will be complete and I’d like to apologise for the inconvenience and delay this will cause to some passengers.

“Anyone wishing to use the network should check before they travel. Information will be available on the website and our social media accounts or by contacting the customer relations team.”

For more information on Metrolink services visit www.metrolink.co.uk, call Metrolink Customer Services on 0161 205 2000 or follow @MCRMetrolink for live travel updates.