Transport Alert: Manchester commuters facing snarl-up
Manchester commuters were being warned of major problems getting in and out of the city today (Monday) when the railway workers’ strike coincided with a road closure for the construction of the Metrolink Trafford Park Line.
The two-week closure of Warren Bruce Road started today (Monday, March 13), the same day as the walkout by Northern, Southern and Merseyrail RMT staff over the decision to cut guards from trains.
Transport for Greater Manchester said diversion routes are to be signposted and bus services 24, X50, 291 and 294 will be re-routed once the road closure comes into effect. Road users are encourage to allow more time for their journeys.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has released a map highlighting the road closure and diversion routes, to help drivers understand the changes and adapt journeys where necessary.
Access by vehicles to businesses directly affected by the temporary closure – and also pedestrian access to Warren Bruce Road – will be maintained at all times while utility works are taking place.
Peter Cushing, TfGM Metrolink director, said: “Some traffic management measures are required while we undertake the necessary utility works on Warren Bruce Road that will ultimately allow us to construct the exciting new Metrolink line.
“I’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience the works might cause but would like to reassure the public that we will do everything we can to minimise disruption.
“I’d encourage people who frequently travel in the area to look at the map to understand how their journey might be affected and to make the appropriate arrangements to adapt them where necessary.”
Meanwhile, all travellers in the Liverpool City Region were urged to plan their journeys and check before they travel ahead of industrial action.
While train users will be most directly impacted, the whole transport network is expected to be busier as people find other ways to travel.
Merseyrail services are planned to run every half hour on all routes from around 7am to 7pm. All trains will be six carriages long. However, passengers are strongly advised to check the Merseyrail website and Twitter feed before travelling as it is possible that timetables will change prior to, as well as during, strike action.
