Overnight testing on the Oldham town centre extension of Manchester Metrolink is due to commence from Monday 7th October as further preparations are made on extending the network. The tests will take place between Westwood Business Park and Oldham Mumps and will be under police escort to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This is a crucial stage in getting Metrolink up-and-running to Oldham town centre as we start an extensive programme of testing and driver-training on this on-street route. We know people are really looking forward to having trams run through the town centre. While there’s still a lot of work to go, I look forward to seeing passenger services up and running as soon as possible.”
The Oldham town centre line is not due to open to the public until early 2014 and this is just the first stage of testing required before passengers can be carried. Daytime testing of the line will follow although judging by past experience this will not immediately follow these initial tests.
Cllr Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Housing, commented: “This is a significant moment in bringing Metrolink to Oldham. I’d like to thank all residents for their patience during the disruption to the town centre and assure them that this will really highlight the benefit of the tram to the Borough. I am personally looking forward to travelling on the tram through our town centre and I hope that many residents are too.”
So are the connections at both end of the town centre route complete? Last time I travelled between Oldham and Rochdale there was a connection on the Northbound track (towards Rochdale) but not Manchester bound.
No James there is still only the single connection that you describe at Mumps. But that’s all that is needed with crossovers at both ends of the section they can run it as a self contained line for testing.
How long will the Rochdale line be closed for to facilitate slewing the track onto the town centre alignment when the time comes I wonder?
It’ll be done as a weekend ‘improvement’ closure!
3067 and 3069 parked up at the new Mumps station today.