Platform arrives at St Peter’s Square

This week has seen an arrival at St Peter’s Square but not a tram but a platform which was craned into position as work continues on the Metrolink transformation works. This is the first of two island platforms to be constructed at this junction between the two cross city lines and will be formed of pre-cast sections to save time.

A large 90 tonne crane was used to move the sections into place with each section weighing up to 10 tonnes. These sections are made of reinforced concrete and were being hoisted into place on top of the previously installed side walls of the platform closest to Manchester Central Library.

In addition to the works on the platform the coming months will see new mature trees planted around the stop to complement Manchester City Council’s flagship redevelopment of the square into a more pedestrian-friendly, livelier space for people to relax and enjoy themselves.

Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink Director, said: “The new-look stop for St Peter’s Square is really taking shape, with the track formation in place and, now, one of the island platforms well on its way to completion. Building a new tram stop in the middle of a busy city centre is no mean feat and our work programme has been focused on getting the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible while still keeping trams running through the city. St Peter’s Square is going to not only look amazing, but will be a major commuter hub when the new Second City Crossing line starts to run through it from early next year.”

Elsewhere on the construction of the Second City Crossing the last of the utility diversion works have now been completed. The new sewer system under Cross Street has now been put into place completing this section of the job which began in October 2014 and has seen 85m of new sewer installed and a further of 567m of existing sewers relined.

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