Work on the Second City Crossing (2CC) of Manchester Metrolink is moving on to Albert Square from the start of August ahead of the planned opening of the line in 2017. Initially utility diversion work will take place in around a third of Albert Square with two phases of work planned: August-October 2014 and January-March 2015. At all times access will be maintained to the Town Hall and one lane of traffic will be in place along Albert Square and Princess Street.
During the work hundreds of individual cobbles will be lifted, photographed and recorded and will eventually be reinstated one by one so that the heritage of Albert Square is protected once the work has been fully completed and the Metrolink line is operational. It will be necessary for a temporary surface to be installed in Albert Square in between the two phases of work but the cobbles will be reinstated by the end of March 2015.
Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink Director, said: “This is a crucial part of the Second City Crossing project and we’ve planned it in painstaking detail: even to the point of recording each and every one of the cobbles affected. We’ve chosen the least disruptive method at the same time as maintaining traffic and pedestrian links. The Second City Crossing is going to be of massive benefit to the city, to its businesses and to all Metrolink passengers and I’m grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while we carry out essential work that’s part and parcel of its creation.”