Roadworks ban on tram replacement bus route

8:48am Friday 2nd February 2007

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THERE'S one crumb of comfort for Metrolink passengers who face months of misery when the Bury-Manchester line closes later this year for track renewal work.

Replacement buses to ferry commuters between stations will escape disruption - because of a moratorium on roadworks along the route.

The ban was outlined by a Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) official at a meeting of Prestwich Area Board at Heaton Park Primary School on Monday.

Metrolink local authority co-ordinator Mr Roger Tripp said utility companies had been asked not to start any roadworks for the duration of the Metrolink line renewal between May and September. He added it was hoped that the frequency of buses would mirror that of the current tram services, saying: "We also hope to replicate timings of the trams as we see it today."

Mr Tripp defended the Metrolink work, stressing that some of the Bury to Manchester line was more than 50 years old in places. "We have to do it this way," he said.

The area board heard work would begin in May, leading to partial closures, before the whole line shuts between June and September.

Councillor Tim Pickstone said: "What worries me is the absolute chaos there is going to be." He inquired whether passengers using the replacement buses would have to pay the same rates as the trams but was told by Mr Tripp that the prices would be lower.