Work starts on £350 million Metrolink Trafford Park line

R Trafford Council Leader Councillor Sean Anstee, Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd, Chair of the TfGM Committee Councillor Andrew Fender

Work has started on the new Metrolink Trafford Park line in Manchester following a ceremony on the 12 January 2017.

R Trafford Council Leader Councillor Sean Anstee, Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd, Chair of the TfGM Committee Councillor Andrew Fender

The £350 million Metrolink Trafford Park line will offer rapid transport connections to business and leisure destinations on a 3.4 mile (5.5km) route calling at six stops to the intu Trafford Centre.

Metrolink Trafford Park line to offer six stops over 3.4 miles

Advanced utility works are now underway which will run concurrently with other enabling works. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is continuing its collaboration with MPact-Thales (MPT) and WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff on the scheme, having worked together to deliver extensions to MediaCityUK, Manchester Airport, Ashton, East Didsbury and Oldham and Rochdale, and the Second City Crossing.

TfGM has confirmed that it will be keeping members of the public informed via a series of drop-in events.

The development project is expected to take 4 years to build.

Commenting on the development, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd, said: “It’s great to see the first spades in the ground for yet another Metrolink line.

“Metrolink is one of Greater Manchester’s major success stories, helping to drive regeneration and boost local economies.

“Trafford Park is the largest industrial estate in Europe and deserving of first class transport links – and this new route also takes in other iconic destinations, from Old Trafford to the Trafford Centre.”

Trafford Council Leader, Cllr Sean Anstee, added: “I am delighted to be witnessing the start of works on the new Metrolink extension. This is a key milestone and supports our plans for Trafford to boost business investment, increase employment opportunities and the local economy.

“Trafford is an economic powerhouse that welcomes businesses and excellent transport links are a vital part of attracting new investment.”