Essential road repairs get green light, but Metrolink service will close for 17 days

Residents and local businesses are set to benefit from a better road surface when essential repairs to Eccles New Road and South Langworthy Road begin on Saturday, March 20.

But it’s a matter of no pain, no gain, as the work will require a 17-day partial closure of the Metrolink Eccles line.

The work – which will see large sections of the road repaired – is being done by Salford City Council’s highways teams.

Cllr Mike McCusker, executive support member for planning, housing and sustainable development, said: “We’re well aware that large sections of Eccles New Road and South Langworthy Road need repairs and the council has been working closely with TfGM for some time now to find the best solution.

“It’s more challenging than our usual road repairs as the Metrolink only stops for a few hours each night.

“It would not be fair to residents, nor practical, to do the work at that time so we need the line to close completely.”

He added: “The work will be carried out only during the day and we will also use the time to check street lighting, drainage and crash barriers and carry out any necessary repairs. The roadworks will be managed by one-way road closures but access to all side streets and businesses will be maintained.

“We will not be fully resurfacing the road this time as the Metrolink track, which is more than 20 years old now, is due to be upgraded in the future – but we will make good the damage this road has sustained over the last couple of winters.”

Resurfacing works are being done now while the road and Metrolink network remains quiet and ahead of the reopening of some non-essential retail and leisure services from April 12, as set out in the Government’s ‘road map’ out of lockdown.

From Saturday March 20, until Monday April 5 (inclusive), trams will only run between Ashton-under-Lyne and MediaCityUK.

A bus replacement service will be in operation between Eccles and MediaCityUK.

Anyone travelling during this time should plan in advance and allow extra time for their journey.

Passengers should also follow the latest safety guidelines, such as wearing a face covering, unless exempt, when travelling.

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