TRAM travellers in Trafford can expect delays this weekend.

The delays will be caused because of essential work to install a new overhead electric line, over Saturday and Sunday, at Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop.

It will result in replacement bus services between Trafford Bar and Piccadilly.

Transport bosses say that the works, which started earlier this year will allow more flexible and frequent services to run through the city centre.

Tram services from the south will run as far as Cornbrook stop for connections between Eccles, MediaCity, Altrincham, Chorlton, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport line services.

Once opened, passengers using the Deansgate-Castlefield stop will benefit from a new inbound and outbound platforms and two new track cross-overs – allowing trams to turn back in both directions.

Metrolink director Peter Cushing said: “We don’t undertake a weekend stop closure lightly – especially at this time of year – but these are essential works that can only be carried out safely under a full stop closure when trams are not running.

“It’s essential we do this work now to remain on schedule to finish improvements at Deansgate-Castlefield next summer, so we can move on to the next phase of Metrolink upgrades at St Peter’s Square.

“There are no more planned Metrolink improvement works that will affect services in the city centre until the new year.

The Deansgate-Castlefield work is scheduled to be completed by summer 2015.