After 14 long months a full Manchester Metrolink service is once again running through St Peter’s Square with the transformation works now having progressed sufficiently to allow passengers to board at the all new and expanded stop. The work is by no means complete as yet with finishing works still set to take place over the next few weeks but at least passengers will now be able to board a tram at this key stop on the network once again.
The new look St Peter’s Square will be a major interchange between the original city crossing line via Piccadilly Gardens and the new Second City Crossing currently under construction. As a result there are now two island platforms; one for city bound trams and the other for outbound services. Both of these platforms are already in use although only one face of each will see trams until 2CC opens to the public in 2017.
Testing and commissioning started on Friday 26th August ahead of the public reopening on Sunday 28th August. The same day also saw the return of trams between MediaCityUK and Eccles with the conclusion of the rail replacement works on this line.
On 26th August during testing 3023 is seen running as a single unit from Trafford Depot on its way to the Sheffield Street siding behind Piccadilly Station. Note the special destination display ‘We’re nearly there with St Peters Square’.
Day one of public services on 28th August and coupled set 3068 and 3069 stand at the new 1CC northbound platform on an East Didsbury to Victoria trip.
The current set-up at St Peter’s Square is seen here with 3033 at the rear of a double unit bound for Altrincham leaving the 1CC southbound platform whilst another double unit with 3028 leading waits to leave northbound for Victoria. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde)
* A full collection of photos from the re-opening will follow on British Trams Online soon.