Latest Rail News

Manchester Metrolink to get new route across city centre

The DfT has approved plans for a second city crossing for Manchester Metrolink, one of the busiest light rail systems in the country.

Having just one route across the city centre causes major capacity and reliability problems at the moment, and Transport for Greater Manchester has long been keen to address the problem via a second crossing, to cope with extra incoming and through-traffic from the new lines and extensions that have opened in the past few years.

The new route, through St Peter’s Square, along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street and re-joining the existing Metrolink line just outside Victoria station, has already been the subject of a public inquiry.

It would also mean the relocation of St Peter’s Square stop and a new stop in Exchange Square outside the Arndale Centre.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP has approved the application for the Transport and Works Act Order required to build and operate the new line, while communities secretary Eric Pickles MP has approved necessary listed building consents.

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is fantastic news and means we can now press ahead with developing the detail of the delivery programme, appointing a contractor and getting work started as soon as possible.

“By providing the necessary capacity, flexibility and reliability for the future tram network to operate, the second city crossing will play a vital role in helping to build a strong and prosperous economy for Greater Manchester.”