Major Manchester city centre road closure with changes to Piccadilly Gardens trams

The closure of a major road in Manchester city centre has been announced by transport bosses, alongside changes to Metrolink trams around Piccadilly.

No trams will run between Piccadilly railway station and Piccadilly Gardens between June 22 and July 9 due to essential track replacement work taking place. Transport for Greater Manchester said London Road, near the station, will also be closed southbound between Store Street and Fairfield Street.

The works are said to be part of a 'major coordinated programme taking place this summer to maintain and improve the Metrolink system to ensure tram journeys in Greater Manchester remain safe, reliable and accessible'.

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Replacement buses will run between Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens. TfGM added a signed walking route, taking around five minutes, will also be put in place between the two stops during the period of the works.

A spokesman said: "Trams on the Ashton line will operate between Ashton and Piccadilly station. Passengers wanting to make an onward journey will need to walk or use the bus replacement service to Piccadilly Gardens . London Road will be closed to traffic leaving the city centre where the Metrolink tracks cross the street close to Piccadilly station. Increased traffic is anticipated on Fairfield Street, Store Street, Princess Street, Newton Street and the inner ring road.

"A signed diversion will be in place for all traffic heading away from the city centre via Portland Street and Princess Street with an alternative diversion via Store Street.

"To mitigate the impact on some of Greater Manchester’s busiest and most frequent bus services, buses