In this latest edition of “Manchester Metrolink Then & Now” we head off to the Oldham and Rochdale line for another couple of images.
These photos are only taken about 18 months apart but they still show how things changed in that time from no tracks to tracks. We are looking south west from Collyhurst Road to Smedley Viaduct which is at the start of the Oldham and Rochdale line not long after it parts from the line out to Bury.
This view was taken on 12th March 2009 and is looking back towards Manchester. In the distance you can just make out a double T68 unit on the Bury line. In the foreground the connection between the two lines is seen having been prepared and waiting for the tracks to be laid.
On 28th November 2010 we are back at the same location where tracks are now laid with overhead also in place. It would still be nearly two years before trams would start running with the first services to Oldham Mumps running in June 2012. (Both Photographs by Keith Chadbourne)