One of two major construction projects currently underway on the outskirts of Manchester City Centre is at Deansgate-Castlefield where a new layout is to be introduced which will now include three platforms. This photo special shows recent progress at Deansgate-Castlefield.
Taken on 17th October 3054 leads a double unit into Deansgate-Castlefield. This service still uses the exisiting outbound platform. The photo is taken from the new inbound platform.
Looking out of the city this view shows the tracks splitting into two for the new two faced inbound platform.
At this stage the outer platform edge of the new island platform had still to be wired.
3074 arrives at Deansgate-Castlefield heading out of the city passing the crossover. (Photos x 4 by Ken Walker)
An aerial view of Deansgate-Castlefield taken from the Hilton Hotel on 31st October. (Photo: David Lloyd)
It will be interesting to see how they manage the rebuilding of the out bound platform. My thinking is they will use the new loop for in bound trams and out bound trams will cross to the inbound line and stop on the south side of the new island platform, then cross back again on to the outbound line.
I guess you could be right on the way they temporarily use what will become the centre road. But I must also add that the picture from the Hilton is exceptionally good.
According to the Metrolink website, subject to final testing the new third platform at Deansgate-Castlefield will be brought into use on Wednesday 17th December for inbound trams. From that date outbound trams will use the opposite face of the island platform currently used by inbound trams, and the current outbound platform will be closed for refurbishment.