TRAFFORD PARK CONTRACT SIGNED

THE M-PACT Thales (MPT) consortium will design and construct the Trafford Park extension of Manchester’s Metrolink network for Transport for Greater Manchester. TfGM has also confirmed WSP will continue as its delivery partner.

The £350 million extension, which comprises a 3.4-mile route from Pomona to Trafford Centre and includes six new stops, is due to open in 2020. Funding has come via the Greater Manchester devolution deal.

MPT, a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales, has already delivered the Metrolink extensions to MediaCityUK, Ashton, East Didsbury, Oldham and Rochdale, Manchester Airport and the Second City Crossing. The new contract was procured as a variation to the existing deal between MPT and TfGM.

TfGM says advanced utility works are now underway and will run concurrently with other enabling works. Once complete, the line will increase the size of the Metrolink network to over 64 miles served by 99 stops.