Van collides with tram in Ashton

A main road is closed after a van has collided with a tram in Ashton, causing damage to an overhead line pole. 

It happened at Ashton West tram stop - at the junction of Lord Sheldon Way and Richmond Street - shortly after 7.30am on Tuesday morning (8 December). 

As a result, the road is closed and there is heavy traffic in the town centre, with roads gridlocked and buses delayed.

⚠️Road traffic collision at the junction of Lord Sheldon Way & Richmond Street (Ashton-under-Lyne). Road is closed and tram services delayed. Please use alternative routes and expect delays⚠️

— Tameside Highways (@tmbc_highways) December 8, 2020

Trams are unable to operate between Ashton-under-Lyne and Ashton Moss, but tickets are being accepted on the 216 bus and trains between Ashton and Manchester Victoria.

Disruption on the Metrolink network is expected throughout the day. 

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called around 7.30am this morning to Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton-Under-Lyne to a report that a van had been involved in collision with a tram. Emergency services are in attendance." 

Transport for Greater Manchester said the force of the collision has caused damage to an overhead line support line and an investigation into the incident will take place. 

A statement said: "Shortly after 07.30 this morning (Tuesday 8 December), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) was made aware that a van had collided with a tram at Ashton West.

"Emergency services are in attendance along with engineers and customer service representatives from KeolisAmey Metrolink.

"The force of the collision has caused damage to an overhead line support pole.

"Work to repair the pole can only begin once emergency services have completed their work.

"As a result, services are unable to operate between Ashton-Under-Lyne and Ashton Moss and ticket acceptance is in place on the 216 bus service and Northern Rail services between Ashton and Victoria.

"It is expected that services between the stops will be disrupted throughout the day. The incident will be subject to an investigation.

"Visit www.tfgm.com/ashton-line-disruption or follow @MCRMetrolink for the latest travel information and advice." 

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink Danny Vaughan, said: “This is a serious collision and our current focus is supporting emergency services in responding to this incident.

“We do not believe any tram passengers were injured but the extent of any injuries to the van driver is unknown at this time.

“The impact of the collision has caused damage to an overhead line pole, so it is likely to take some time to get services up and running.

“We’ll continue to keep passengers informed and I’d encourage people to check before they travel.”