Central Manchester water main repairs could take days

Repairs to a burst water main and damaged road in Manchester city centre are likely to take several days, United Utilities has said.

Piccadilly Gardens bus station and part of Portland Street remain closed for a second day following Wednesday's burst, with passengers directed to alternative bus stops.

The water company said crews worked through the night to locate the burst while trying to maintain water supplies to nearby customers.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said trams to Bury, Rochdale and Ashton-under-Lyne continued to run normally from Piccadilly Gardens.

A United Utilities spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience and said work would continue to repair the main as quickly as possible.

"Due to the damage caused by the burst, it is likely that repairs and road reinstatement will take several days to complete," the spokesperson said.

The company said it was working with TfGM and Manchester City Council to manage the disruption and reopen the road as soon as it was safe.

Alison Chew, TfGM's bus network director, said: "At TfGM we're doing everything we can to keep people moving."

TfGM said anyone who normally boarded a bus at Piccadilly Gardens or along the affected part of Portland Street should use alternative stops a short walk away.

Express shuttle buses replacing services on other closed tram lines were continuing to use their usual stops on Whitworth Street and Aytoun Street.

TfGM said it was working with Manchester City Council and United Utilities to resolve the issue and advised passengers to allow extra time and check its website or the Bee Network app for the latest travel information.

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