In yet another example of how companies help out heritage tramway organsations across the UK, VolkerRail have recently stepped in to assist Manchester’s Heaton Park Tramway with some track renewal during their current closure whilst the substation equipment is renewed.
The tramway has been closed to the public since September 2024 with the tramway’s partners at Manchester City Council starting work on renewing the substation equipment (which had initially been identified as an issue earlier in the year). During this enforced closure the tramway is taking the opportunity to complete some further maintenance – and that includes sections of rail which were identified as needing renewal during an ORR inspection.
Six rail sections required renewal – including two which ran across a road crossing – and thanks to Transport for Greater Manchester who donated the rails, VolkerRail stepped in to complete the work. As well as the replacement of the rails, they replaced degraded sleepers and at the end resurfaced the road crossing.
Joshua Haworth, Manchester Transport Museum Society Secretary, said: “These works represent a significant contribution to our works to reopen the tramway, and we can’t thank VolkerRail and their partners, TfGM and Manchester City Council for enabling this investment in our infrastructure to take place. We can’t wait to bring Manchester’s transport history back to life once all phases of the works on the tramway are complete.”
Jamie Kelly, VolkerRail programme manager, said: “Thank to to everyone who took part in this restoration, which wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of our team and support from TfGM and our wider supply chain. It is great that we are able to give something back to the community and in such a positive way. We aim to continue to assist with track support for this excellent facility, which adds so much to the park and maintains the traditions of tramway heritage.”
David Budd, TfGM’s head of projects group, added: “he heritage tramway at Heaton Park is a great attraction and we are delighted to be part of a joint effort to help get it back up and running. This was a real team effort and I would like to thank everyone for their support of such a wonderful initiative, and one which showcases tramway heritage in a way that can be admired and enjoyed by all.”
The tramway remains closed whilst work continues at the substation. But the museum and shop at Middleton Road will be open on the last Sunday of every month until September.