15.02.17
Metrolink’s Second City Crossing set to open later this month
Metrolink’s new Second City Crossing tram line is due to open in Manchester later this month, TfGM announced to the public today, marking the completion of the £1.5bn “big bang” expansion programme.
The first passenger services on the new track are due to run on Sunday 26 February subject to final testing and commissioning. Testing on the first trams along the route started back in December.
The crossing will run regular services from a new stop at St Peter’s Square, along Cross Street and stop at Exchange Square and Victoria, allowing greater access for trams across Manchester’s 93-stop network.
Metrolink’s £1.5bn “big bang” expansion programme has invested in extensions to tram services across Manchester including in MediaCityUK, East Didsbury, Rochdale, Ashton and Manchester Airport.
Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink director, who wrote for RTM recently, said: “The return of passenger trams to this area of the city will be a historic day and the culmination of years of hard work.
“I look forward to our customers right across the tram network experiencing the benefits.”
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee was one of the first people to ride the route, as he said: “Not only will the Second City Crossing offer more trams through the city – on a more flexible, reliable tram network – but also a fantastic new view of historic Manchester landmarks such as the Royal Exchange and Manchester Town Hall.”
The first phase of the Second City Crossing opened from Victoria through to the new Exchange Square stop in 2015, and is part of Greater Manchester’s ‘Grow’ project which is reshaping the city centre over the next three years.
Last month, work started on the £350m Metrolink Trafford Park line, a planned route which will offer new transport connections to the intu Trafford Centre.