12.07.17
TfGM award contract for Trafford Park extension
TfGM has revealed that the contract to extend the Metrolink network has been awarded to MPact Thales (MPT) and WSP.
MPT, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales, will again collaborate to design and construct the new line that will serve the intu Trafford Centre via Trafford Park, whilst WSP will retain its role as delivery partner for TfGM.
MPT has also delivered other Metrolink extensions towards MediaCityUK, Ashton, East Didsbury and Rochdale, amongst other key locations around Greater Manchester.
The scheme is supported by £350m funding, and is the first major transport project to benefit from the devolution deal to Greater Manchester that was signed in November 2014.
The new line will cover 3.4 miles and will increase the size of the Metrolink network to more than 64 miles, serving 99 different stops.
“It makes absolute sense to continue the award-winning partnership with MPT and WSP to deliver the next exciting chapter in the Metrolink story,” said chair of the TfGM Committee Cllr Andrew Fender.
“The phase three expansion programme has without doubt been one of largest and most ambitious transport projects to be delivered in the UK and is unprecedented in the light rail industry in terms of the size and scale of growth.
“I’m pleased that all formalities are now complete – it’s an existing and successful partnership and I know we are in great hands with Metrolink’s latest exciting expansion.”
And Ian Beaumont, programme director at WSP in Manchester, added: “We’ve built a strong relationship working with TfGM and MPT to deliver the vision of an integrated transport system across the city and we look forward to continuing this partnership.
“Our in-depth knowledge of the city and range of technical and programme management expertise makes us best-placed to oversee the next phase of this major infrastructure expansion to the Metrolink system, improving connectivity across Greater Manchester for the tens of millions of commuters and visitors who use the network every year.”
Advanced utility works are already underway along the line of the route, whilst the full works are expected to be completed by 2020.
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