Travel update: Transport continues to be affected following the terrorist attack

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Travel update - 23 May - 3.30pm

Transport continues to be affected following the terrorist attack that took place at Manchester Arena last night and travellers should be prepared for ongoing disruption and allow extra time for their journeys.

Anyone wishing to attend the vigil at Albert Square at 6.00pm is advised to travel in good time, using public transport services or Park and Ride facilities.

Some highways are now reopening in the city centre but roads across the city-region – particularly in the north – remain very busy and where possible drivers are encouraged to use the M60 which is running freely at the present time.

Peak time travel is expected to be very busy this evening, particularly with the vigil that will be held at Albert Square at 6pm, and travellers are encouraged to leave earlier or later to avoid peak times.

Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of TfGM, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Transport for Greater Manchester are with all those affected by this horrific event.

“People should not be afraid to travel, however we would ask people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or concerns to the police, keep their belongings with them at all times and ensure items are not left behind when leaving buses, trams or trains.

“Working together with our partners, including the emergency services, operators and local authorities, we are determined to keep Greater Manchester moving during this time.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and I'd strongly advise anyone looking to travel in and around Greater Manchester to continue to check the TfGM and Metrolink websites."

Metrolink

Victoria Station is likely to remain closed which means that Metrolink services will be affected.

Services on the Bury line will stop at Queens Road while those on the Rochdale via Oldham line will finish at Monsall. Metrolink tickets are being accepted by Stagecoach and First on bus services on the Bury and Rochdale Metrolink lines.

Replacement buses are operating from Central Park and Queens Road to Piccadilly Gardens as Metrolink replacement services.

Services that operate south of the city centre are also affected, with the Airport line running to Deansgate, the Eccles service running all day via MediaCityUK to Ashton, Altrincham running to the Etihad Campus or Piccadilly and East Didsbury service redirected to Piccadilly.

No Metrolink services will call or operate through Market Street, Shudehill or Manchester Victoria.

Passengers are asked to allow extra time for their journeys and avoid the evening peak.

Further information will be communicated throughout the day as more information becomes available. Customers are advised to check the Metrolink website.

Bus

Some highways have now reopened in the city centre but the road network is extremely busy, and a significant number of roads remain closed and buses are particularly affected in the Salford area.

Shudehill Interchange has now reopened but some Metroshuttle services are diverted and customers are advised to check with bus operators Stagecoach and First Manchester for the latest updates.

Rail

Manchester Victoria remains closed at this time and trains will not be calling at the station, Northern services may also be disrupted as a result.

Piccadilly Station remains open as usual.

All rail passengers are advised to check the National Rail Enquiries website.

Passengers should also check www.northernrailway.co.uk 

Roads

Some roads in the city centre are now reopening but many remain closed and highways are extremely busy, particularly in the Salford Area specifically the A56, Inner Ring Road and Oldham Road.

All roads to the north of the city centre are experiencing heavy traffic volumes.

There are also a significant number of emergency road closures in place, affecting travel. Drivers should use the M60 where possible and avoid the evening peak.

Drivers are encouraged to consider other means of travelling into Manchester city centre, including the Park & Ride facilities at Sale Water Park, Ashton West, and Ashton Moss Metrolink stops.