25.08.17
Work begins to transform Crumpsall Metrolink stop ahead of £350m expansion
Work to transform the Crumpsall Metrolink stop ahead of the operator’s £350m expansion to Trafford Park has started this week.
The stop will undergo a significant upgrade as the new six stop line is planned to run direct from intu Trafford Centre through the city centre and onto the new Crumpsall stop.
This will mean passengers using the Crumpsall, Abraham Moss and Queens Road stops can look forward to a more frequent service with both Bury and Trafford Park line services running through them.
New track at Crumpsall will also allow Trafford Park line services to turn around, and the stop will have a larger platform to accommodate the Manchester-bound services.
Engineers will also put in better access with a track level pedestrian crossing and improved stairs, whilst its open design will improve safety and security and make the stop a more pleasant place to take a tram.
Cll Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Work is now well under way on the new Trafford Park line and it’s good to see the benefits will extend to customers living in the Crumpsall area.
“The new-look stop will offer a much more accessible, pleasant and safer space for Metrolink passengers,” he added.
“Once the new tram line through to intu Trafford Centre is open it will also mean more frequent services and much improved access to jobs and leisure across the wider tram network.”
The first phase of the Crumpsall work is underway, and is expected to be completed in mid-2018, with the Trafford Park line due to open in 2020.
The majority of the work is being carried out in the daytime, though some works will take place outside of operational hours for safety reasons.
Today’s new also follows TfGM starting the search for renewals and enhancements partners to work with them on the network.
Another key work, the Second City Crossing was also completed in February, marking the end of Metrolink’s “big bang expansion”.
Top Image: George Standen
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