Because of engineering works, there will be changes to services on Metrolink in Greater Manchester this weekend.

The changes are necessary after a cracked rail was discovered on one of the lines in Portland Street in Manchester city centre.

The work has been scheduled to avoid disrupting major events, especially the Manchester United vs Liverpool Premier League match next Sunday afternoon.

Services will run as normal until 5 pm on Saturday, 6th April. From then, a temporary timetable will be implemented for the following lines:

• Ashton to Piccadilly
• Eccles to Cornbrook via MediaCityUK
• Altrincham to Bury

A replacement bus service will operate between Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly, and between Manchester Piccadilly and Cornbrook.

All other services will operate as normal.

The work will involve the replacement of a 10-metre section of rail in Portland Street. It will take place between 5 pm on Saturday, 6th April and 5 am on Sunday, 7th April, and is scheduled to have been completed in time for the operation of regular services from 6 am on Sunday, 7th April.

There have been several disruptions to Metrolink services in recent months after a track defect was discovered in one of the specialised crossings.

At the end of February, further work took place during work to repair the crossing.

Since identifying the rail defect we have moved quickly to put in place plans to replace it as soon as possible, and we expect normal service to resume on Sunday.

However, there will be temporary service changes on specific lines on Saturday afternoon and into the evening, and I would encourage anyone planning to travel on Metrolink during this time to plan ahead and check our social media channels and website for the latest information and advice.

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)