Progress is continuing to be made on the “transformation” works on the Manchester Metrolink Second City Crossing (2CC) as preparations for a return for full services through St Peter’s Square on the original city crossing come to a conclusion. No trams have run through the area since the end of June but from the end of August the distinctive yellow trams will once again be seen in service. In this pictorial update we take a brief look at how things looked on Thursday 18th August. Photos from Keith Chadbourne.
Almost ready for trams – on Mosley Street alongside the Midland Hotel is a hive of activity with last minute preparations ongoing.
Into St Peter’s Square and looking towards the actual stop and then the city centre. The tracks on the right are the existing city crossing which will be used when trams return at the end of August.
Looking at the St Peter’s Square stop from Princess Street which will be on the Second City Crossing.
Another view of the stop showing paving works being completed ahead of the return of services.
Looking down Mosley Street towards the city centre with track and overhead in situ and more paving works ongoing.
Moving on to the 2CC and this is Princess Street along the side of the Town Hall. Tracks are in place but no sign of the overhead as yet.
This is Cross Street leading to Exchange Square where one track is in place but further attention is needed on the other track.
Looking down Cross Street towards the current terminus at Exchange Square (with a tram visible in the stop). Construction work is still to be completed here. (All Photographs by Keith Chadbourne)
All excellent, except that I do wonder why such multi-track and extravagant layouts are really needed in St. Peter’s Square! Perhaps it is with further extensions in view?
2 platforms for the current route and 2 for the CC2. Not really extravagant, I don’t hink the layout is any more complex than that at the Victoria end of the 2CC route.
Like both Victoria & Deansgate/Castlefield, the provision of Multi-track formations allows the throughput and will allow greater facilities for turning back services. The additional track alongside the Midland Hotel will also allow inbound trams to cross Oxford Road simultaneously, this could not happen without additional platforms at St.Peters Square, it looks considerable thought has gone into these configurations.
Having both outbound tracks on one platform will allow passengers to pick up the earliest appropriate service. I am looking forward to see St.Peters Square operating when the full service is running on both 1CC & 2CC.