The current major trackwork project on Manchester Metrolink is in Rochdale Town Centre which means that Rochdale Railway Station is once again the terminus for the line (as it was until the town centre extension opened in 2014). Steve Hyde recently took a trip to Rochdale to see progress of the work.
The focus of the work is on the points at the bottom of Drake Street before the track curves to the single platform terminus. As well as renewing the points they are also improving the drainage there as the reliability of the points has been impacted by debris washed down the street. The works were due to be completed on 31st October.
Here we see the installation of the spring operated points machine at the commencement of the single line section leading to the terminus.
Looking back up Drake Street towards the railway station the worksite and new installed pointwork is visible.
Looking the opposite way down Drake Street towards the single line which curves into Smith Street and the terminus. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde, 25th October 2024)