It may not be 2020 until trams are due to run on the line but excellent progress continues to be made with construction of Manchester Metrolink’s Trafford Park line, enough progress for another press event to take place showing how the new stops are coming along! Of the six new stops being constructed five now have platforms and shelters whilst the final one – at EventCity – is due to see its platforms put in place during April.
The 5.5km extension will see trams leave the current Eccles line at Pomona and will run through to the Trafford Centre via six brand new stops. The total cost of the line is due to be £350m and has been funded by the Greater Manchester Devolution Deal with £20m coming from Trafford Council. When the line opens in the first half of 2020 the service will run to Crumpsall on the Bury line – also adding some much needed extra capacity for travellers on that line into Manchester City Centre.
So far approximately 60% of the track has been laid and attention will turn towards the overhead line equipment soon.
Cllr Mark Aldred, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This project is an extremely important piece of our regional jigsaw as Trafford Park and intu Trafford Centre are two of the economic hearts of our city-region. The new line will provide a fast, reliable and frequent transport option to all of the employment, cultural and leisure opportunities that exist along the route. Just as importantly it will give people a real alternative to the car, which is vital as we attempt to reduce the number of cars on the road and the amount of harmful emissions polluting our air.”
* We will have photos of the latest construction progress in a future update of British Trams Online.