One of the first milestones in the latest phase of trackwork on Manchester Metrolink was celebrated last week – with the laying of the first new paving stones on Mosley Street. Officials from the GMITA and Manchester City Council were on hand to help lay the stones, which are one of several new surface finishes being introduced as part of the work.
GMPTE has been working alongside the City Council to develop a range of high quality finishes for the new tram tracks that will greatly enhance the overall city centre environment. The street finishes will include yorkstone paving, granite and exposed aggregate concrete with granite banding and will be provided at Piccadilly Gardens, Piccadilly Place, High Street and Shudehill as well as Mosley Street.
Cllr Keith Whitmore, Vice Chair of GMITA, said: “I'm delighted we've been able to work in partnership with the city council on this project. Metrolink is now very much part of the city centre street scene and this work is a great reflection of that. The new tracks will soon have a surface finish that will complement each of the areas they pass through. It's a great scheme that will soon be followed by smart new trams, ticket machines and stop upgrades - all incorporating Metrolink's fresh new visual identity. I look forward to seeing the finished product later this year."
Cllr Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Environment, added: “With the work beginning on laying down the first paving stones, people will now have an idea of how the finishes will look as the work begins to take shape. It is a very exciting day and we look forward to seeing the progress over the coming months. The council has taken this opportunity of the Metrolink track upgrade to enhance the surface finishes on the street environment."
Work continues throughout the city centre. Piccadilly Gardens tramstop is to be widened and St Peters Square tramstop is to be heightened along its full length to give improved access and level boarding for double length trams. City centre tram services are due to resume on 2nd November.
Source: GMPTE