Trams between Oldham & Rochdale set to start running again next week

Metrolink services on the section of track between Oldham Mumps and Rochdale town centre have been suspended since 10 July

Tram services will start to operate between Oldham and Rochdale from Monday morning (19 August) following the completion of engineering works to make the track safe after a landslip affected the line.

Metrolink services on the section of track between Oldham Mumps and Rochdale town centre have been suspended since 10 July with a bus replacement service in place. The landslip caused the track to shift sideways and also affected overhead line poles.

The work, which has been carried out by Metrolink engineers and specialists has seen them move around 200 metres of track back into position using more than 100 tonnes of ballast as well as repairing the overhead poles.

Following the completion of these temporary repairs, normal service will be reinstated to Rochdale from the start of service on Monday 19 August. Further work to make the line more resilient in the long term will be required over the next 12 to 24 months.

Pete Sommers, TfGM’s director for Metrolink, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is our highest priority and this was a serious landslip which affected the tracks and overhead line poles.

“The decision to suspend services was not taken lightly but the extent of the movement meant it was no longer safe to operate trams.   

“Thanks to the round-the-clock efforts of our Metrolink engineers and groundwork specialists' repairs are now close to completion with test trams planned to operate over the coming days in advance of opening for start of service on Monday morning.”