After the successful first tests on the Oldham town centre Manchester Metrolink extension attention has now been turned to the extension in Rochdale town centre with the first overnight tests on this section of track due to have taken place on Saturday 2nd November. This is the start of three weeks of overnight testing on the line which will be undertaken under police escort and will require some road junctions to be closed temporarily whilst the testing is taking place.
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This is a crucial stage in getting Metrolink up-and-running to Rochdale town centre as we start
an extensive programme of testing 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, including extensive driver training on the route, I look forward to seeing passenger services up and running as soon as possible.”
Daytime testing is expected to follow after which there will be driver training on the line ahead of an official opening to the public. It is envisaged the line will be opening in early 2014 although no exact date has yet been released as to when this will happen.