The Metrolink service can be really useful when travelling around Manchester but in the next week, there will be changes to some services.

It’s worth checking these changes out ahead of your journey so you’re not caught out.

To help you with this, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has detailed the changes you should expect if you travel via the city’s tram network.

This week, a cracked rail was identified on the approach to Victoria so, to correct this, some work needs to be carried out.

The changes to services will be in place until the end of today (January 19) and then additional works will take place on January 20 and 21.

You can find out more about the Metrolink via the TfGM website.

Metrolink changes for this weekend – January 19, 20 and 21

Until the end of service on Friday, the Altrincham-Bury and Manchester Airport-Victoria services will operate via Exchange Square.

These services will not stop at Shudehill or Market Street.

Saturday, January 20

No trams will operate on this day into Victoria form either Exchange Street or Market Street and Shudehill so that additional engineering works can take place.

There will be changes for trams to and from Altrincham, Bury, East Didsbury, Rochdale, Manchester Airport and Trafford Park.

Sunday, January 21

If you’re travelling via tram on Sunday, it’s worth knowing that the network-wide shutdown and works between Piccadilly and Ashton will be going ahead as planned.

Additional work will also be taking place near Victoria on this day.

Before 9am on Sunday, no trams will operate as the shutdown takes place. No dedicated bus replacement services or ticket acceptance will be in place.

Also on Sunday, work will be happening between Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne meaning there will be no services on the Ashton line for the whole day.

Since there are additional works happening near Victoria, after the shutdown finishes on Sunday as well as the planned changes between Piccadilly and Ashton, there will be changes for trams to Altrincham, Bury, East Didsbury, Rochdale, Eccles, Manchester Airport and Trafford Park.

Monday, January 22

Tram services will return to normal from the start of the service on Monday, January 22 except for East Didsbury and Rochdale trams which won’t stop at Exchange Street until further notice.

Transport for Greater Manchester shares tips for travellers

Due to the changes this weekend, TfGM has shared some top tips to help keep travellers moving.

It advises that passengers check its website for updates and if their journey ends a bit shorter than usual, it encourages them to walk or wheel the rest of the way. There is a walking map on the website and bikes can be hired from multiple stations.

On Saturday and Sunday, bus replacement services will be in place after 9am throughout the day between Victoria and Piccadilly to help people continue their journeys.

A bus will also run on Sunday after 9am between Piccadilly Gardens and Ashton – passengers will need to either touch in or buy their ticket before getting on the bus.