METROLINK commuters will face disruption next summer during multi-million pound works to replace sections of worn-out track.

Replacement buses will ferry passengers to stops along the Bury-Altrincham line throughout the duration of the major project.

The work signals the biggest line replacement operation since Metrolink began in 1992 and the costs will be borne by part of a massive £102 million funding package agreed last year.

At this stage, it is not known exactly when the line works will begin and for how long they will continue.

Paul Griffiths, projects director for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), said: "We are planning to invest millions of pounds in replacing sections of worn-out track on the Bury and Altrincham lines during summer 2007.

"The bidding process to appoint a contractor to carry out the work is now well under way and we hope to announce the successful bidder in the next few weeks."

He added: "The track on the Bury and Altrincham lines is more than 50 years old in some places as the routes were used by trains until Metrolink took them over in 1992. The new track will provide passengers with a much smoother and quieter ride.

"We anticipate that the new track will be laid during the summer months next year so that it causes less disruption. Replacement buses will provide links to stops along the lines while the work takes place."

Mr Griffiths said: "We hope that passengers will be prepared to put up with some inconvenience next summer for what will be a massive improvement to the Metrolink network in the long run. We'll be releasing further details about the work later this year."

Last year, the Government agreed a £102 million funding package for new trams, ticket machines, stop improvements and track replacement. A total of £44 million will come from GMPTE and £58 million from the Department for Transport.