COMPLETION of Manchester Victoria’s new Metrolink stop has been delayed until February next year.

The stop has been closed to passengers since February 2014, with services running through the station on a single line of track.

Single line running will remain in place until February 2015, with double trams continuing to run on every Bury to Altrincham service.

Debbie Francis, from Network Rail, said: “An extended closure of the line through the area is needed to complete the complex upgrade and this would disrupt passengers even further and impact the city in the build up to Christmas – one of the busiest times of the year for businesses and the economy.

“With this in mind, the closure of the track has been postponed and will now take place after the festive period. Further information will be available to passengers in December regarding the timing and impact of the closure.

"We apologise for the delay and inconvenience this will cause.”

The project, delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will see the Metrolink stop redesigned and expanded to provide additional platforms and tracks, accommodating the new Second City Crossing and wider network expansion.