The first Manchester Metrolink LRVs have reached Manchester Airport as testing of the extension continues ahead of the planned opening by the end of this year. M5000s 3075 and 3066 (running as a pair) arrived at the Airport at 0045 on Tuesday 19th August meaning that LRVs have now traversed all sections of the route.
The 9 mile extension leaves the current South Manchester Line shortly after St Werburgh’s Road and features 15 new stops at Barlow Moor Road, Sale Water Park, Northern Moor, Wythenshawe Park, Moor Road, Baguley, Roundthorn, Martinscroft, Benchill, Crossacres, Wythenshawe Town Centre, Robinswood Road, Peel Hall, Shadowmoss and Manchester Airport. The movements of 3075 and 3066 to the Airport on 19th August marks the first time that LRVs have made it all the way on this route. Testing will now continue over the next few months and it is then planned that passenger services will commence before 2014 has ended.
Elsewhere on Metrolink the latest M5000 arrived at Queens Road Depot on Saturday 16th August with 3087 being delivered. It travelled on the Rotterdam to Hull ferry on Friday 15th August before making its way across the country to Manchester as per usual. It will now be commissioned and the undergo mileage accumulation works ahead of an entry into service.
3075 waits at Peel Hall shortly before making its way, along with 3066, to Manchester Airport.
And here they are having arrived at the Airport - the first LRVs to have done so.
Another view of the two M5000s at the Airport.
Rather than the usual Tram on Test the destination indicator was changed to show Manchester Airport.
The latest M5000 to arrive at Queens Road is 3087 which is seen here on 19th August in the depot yard. Note that the spots from the livery have yet to be applied. (All Photos: Steve Kemp)