New Airport line takes off

L-R Councillor Andrew Fender (Chair, Transport for Greater Manchester), Philip Purdy (Metrolink Director, Transport for Greater Manchester) and Paul Jones (Airport Line Project Leader, MPact-Thales), with the route of the new Airport line behind them.

Work on bringing Metrolink to Manchester Airport takes flight this month, as construction gets underway on the first part of the new nine-mile line.

L-R Councillor Andrew Fender (Chair, Transport for Greater Manchester), Philip Purdy (Metrolink Director, Transport for Greater Manchester) and Paul Jones (Airport Line Project Leader, MPact-Thales), with the route of the new Airport line behind them.

Transport leaders are hailing the start of work as an “exciting development” for the region, which will not only see people linked to one of the country’s busiest international airports, but also to communities along the route too.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Given the fantastic response we’ve had from people about the recent opening of the South Manchester line, we are very enthusiastic about the benefits the Airport line will bring to everyone in Greater Manchester and beyond.

“The start of this work is an exciting development on the new extension, and we’re looking forward to people being able to use a Metrolink service that provides a direct link to the airport – one of the biggest employers in the region.”

In the next few weeks, the first phase of works will be underway on building the extensive new line in the Mersey Valley area, which spans Hardy Farm, Hardy Lane and Sale Water Park.

As part of the initial construction, ground is being levelled off to make way for the line, with further piling works getting underway towards the end of the year.

Philip Purdy, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “Given that this work is about preparing the area in advance of laying the new track, some excavators and large machinery will be used,” explained Philip. “We will keep any disruption to a minimum, carrying out work during normal working hours from Monday to Saturday, and our team will be keeping people updated with progress.

He continued: “We are also committed to doing as much as we can to mitigate against disruption to flora and fauna during the construction of new Metrolink lines. As part of our environmental responsibilities, our contractor, MPact-Thales, has carried out a number of ecological surveys throughout the area; guidance has been taken from ecologists, Mersey Valley Warden Service and Greater Manchester Ecology Unit.”

Further construction will continue into the new year and beyond, building on this first round of works.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Manchester Airport line can call the Metrolink team on 0161 244 1555 (office hours), or email [email protected].