Latest Rail News

Second City Crossing work to start in January

Work on the second Metrolink line through Manchester city centre is set to begin in January, TfGM has announced.

The three year programme will increase capacity, flexibility and reliability on the tram service, as well as providing new stops in Exchange Square and St Peter’s Square.

The line will begin in Lower Mosley Street and run through St Peter’s Square, before turning down Princess Street and then heading along Cross Street and Corporation Street before re-joining the existing Metrolink line just outside Victoria station.

The plans were formally approved by government in November, and work to divert gas pipes, electricity and phone cables will begin in January. The whole programme is expected to be complete in 2017.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This will be the starter pistol for a marathon civil engineering project that is an essential part of the Metrolink expansion.

“The Second City Crossing (2CC) will increase the capacity, flexibility and reliability of all of the network’s new lines and enable them to operate to their fullest.

“As such, it will play a vital role in helping to build a strong and prosperous economy for Greater Manchester.”

Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink director, said: “It’s a significant piece of work and not without its challenges, but we have learnt a huge amount successfully delivering new street-running lines to Ashton, Oldham and Rochdale town centres and to Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport and we will be drawing on this experience to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

“We have also established strong links with businesses in the city and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already done so to get in touch so we can keep them up to speed over the life of this project and beyond.”

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