A major milestone has been reached in the construction of the Manchester Metrolink Second City Crossing (2CC) with the first tracks laid as progress continues ahead of a partial opening next winter. Thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Find (ERDF) the section of line between Manchester Victoria and Exchange Square is being prioritised for opening and all being well should be operational in winter 2015/6.
The 2CC is due to take some of the pressure off the current city centre crossing which is at capacity and has meant that services from Manchester Airport and having to terminate at Cornbrook for the time being. The line will connect St Peter’s Square (which will be see a completely new stop constructed with four platforms) and Victoria via Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street. A new intermediate stop will be built at Exchange Square which will be an island platform to save space.
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Seeing the first ever tracks laid on this new route demonstrates the beginning of what all the work currently under way in the city will ultimately deliver. The Second City Crossing is vital for providing more services, more often, on our ever-growing Metrolink network – so it’s great to see such good progress being made on the ground.”