TRAMS TO TRAFFORD PARK IN APRIL

THE MANCHESTER Metrolink extension to Trafford Park will open in April, subject to final testing and driver training.

The £350 million line comprises a 5.5km extension from Pomona to a terminus at intu Trafford Centre, featuring six stops. If achieved, the opening would be seven months earlier than originally planned.

The extension is the first project to benefit from the region’s Devolution Deal. It is also the last scheme in the major expansion of Metrolink, which has seen new lines opened to East Didsbury, Ashton-under-Lyne, Rochdale via Oldham and Manchester Airport. Delivery has been by Transport for Greater Manchester with design and construction partner MPact Thales, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales, which has built a series of extensions to the network.