The first stage of work ahead of the start of services on the Metrolink Trafford Park line is now completed with the revamped stop at Crumpsall now fully open – this includes the addition of a new platform face and track for trams terminating from Trafford Park as well as other stop improvements including a new entrance from Crumpsall Lane.
The new look stop was fully opened from Monday 21st October and this also included the new signalling arrangements necessary for when trams start to use the new platform. The work has been ongoing since August 2017 and has seen the installation of a track level crossing for passengers and stair improvements with the big aim being to not only give extra capacity for terminating trams but also improve the overall environment of the stop.
Taken from Crumpsall Lane this view shows the new entrance to the stop which leads directly to the inbound platform giving both stepped and step free access.
This was taken from the bottom of the steps down from Crumpsall Lane to show the new siding and platform face for terminating trams.
Here we see the staircase down from Crumpsall Lane, at the top right can be seen the start of the ramped step free access to the Manchester end of the platform.
The ramp down from Crumpsall Lane is rather lengthy due to the height difference between the highway and track level. The access regulations dictate a maximum gradient of 5% and also require the provision of chicane fencing to minimise the chances of wheelchairs etc getting out of control.
A view along the new siding and platform face from the bottom of the ramp looking towards Crumpsall Lane.
The new signalling arrangements were also brought into use the same day and here we see the signal controlling departures from the main inbound platform and in the distance the point indicator for the crossover.
Unfortunately the first day was plagued by a couple of point failures and here we see 3001 delayed at the inbound signal due to one of the failures. Customer Service staff were on hand to help keep passengers informed.
Some outbound services continued to pass whilst the failure was investigated and here we see 3015 at the head of a coupled set approaching Crumpsall on its way to Bury. The point indicator on the left is showing stop due to the fault. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde, 21st October 2019)