METROLINK passengers face disruption during the planned second stage of a major project to upgrade tram track in Manchester city centre.

But transport leaders have promised to try to minimise the impact of the works.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is managing a mult-million pound scheme to replace all the city centre track, providing smoother and quieter journeys for passengers.

Last year, the track between Piccadilly rail station and Portland Street was replaced over an eight-week period and work was completed on time and on budget.

GMPTE’s Metrolink director, Philip Purdy, said: “We’re working with the operator, Stagecoach Metrolink, to look at ways we can keep as much of the city centre tram network open as possible while the track is replaced in several phases.

“We won’t be starting work in earnest until early April and there will be a major information campaign soon to let passengers know exactly what’s happening. I assure passengers that we are working hard to cause as little disruption as possible while we carry out these essential works.”

Preparation work will start in the city centre beginning in March will be carried out at night time to lessen the impact on passengers.

The city centre track is the busiest on the network with trams travelling over some sections more than 250 times every day. This will increase to up to 400 times a day when the new Metrolink lines open.

GMPTE is overseeing a £600 million expansion of the Metrolink network to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden, Chorlton and MediaCityUK.