24.10.14
Manchester Victoria Metrolink upgrade delayed
The planned upgrade of the Metrolink stop at Manchester Victoria, which forms a key element of Network Rail’s redevelopment of the iconic city centre station, has been delayed.
Work was expected to be complete by next month, but has been pushed back to February 2015.
A statement said: “The additional time now required to complete the project is due to the complex nature of the construction and engineering works being carried out and to avoid any additional impact during the busy Christmas period.”
Network Rail is carrying out the Metrolink works on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester to avoid having two worksites and two projects at once at the same station, in the hope it would create a more efficient delivery.
Network Rail added that the upgrade project will see the Metrolink stop at Manchester Victoria completely redesigned and expanded to provide additional platforms and tracks, accommodating the new Second City Crossing and wider network expansion.
To allow the work to progress, the stop has been closed to passengers since February 2014 and Metrolink services have been running through the station on a single line of track.
Due to the rescheduled completion date in the delivery of these improvements, single line running will now remain in place until February next year.
Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink director, said: “We are disappointed with the delay on this project. We fully appreciate how much of a blow it will be for passengers who have been so accommodating of the temporary service changes these works have required and are sorry that the changes will now have to be in place until the New Year.”
The Manchester Victoria Metrolink stop works and associated enhancements are being funded by the Greater Manchester Transport Fund and European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
Above: Prime minister David Cameron and chancellor George Osborne visiting the Manchester Victoria site this summer
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