THE entire Metrolink network had to be shut down this morning to investigate a fault.

Damage to the points at Cornbrook sustained during overnight works is causing delays across the tram network.

A region-wide shutdown of Metrolink was implemented at 9.30am – after the morning peak period – to investigate the fault.

The closure was expected to last 15 minutes, though severe delays are expected afterwards.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Metrolink will be running a revised service from 2.30pm today and providing additional bus services.

No root cause for the fault has been identified and further work will be carried out outside of normal operating hours.

Until 2.30pm, services will run between Bury and the Etihad, and a reduced service between Bury and Altrincham.

After 2.30pm, double trams will run between Bury and the Etihad, and a peak service between Bury and Altrincham until 8pm.

Rachel Spencer, TfGM Head of Metrolink Customer Service, said: “I’d like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience experienced today.

“We are working closely with the Metrolink operator, who is responsible for network maintenance and is investigating the nature of the fault, to ensure a speedy fix to the points fault impacting the Eccles junction at Cornbrook.

“In the meantime, we’ve looked at the best possible service we can run tonight to make sure people can get home, or out to events at Old Trafford and in the city.

“We’ll be running a strengthened Metrolink service, with more double trams on the Altrincham, East Didsbury and Bury lines, and shuttle buses along the Eccles line.

“Additional shuttle buses will complement the usual enhanced commercial bus services that operate on match days.

“I’d encourage customers to keep up to date by checking our website and Twitter feed and allow a little longer than normal for their journey today.”

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.