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Tuesday, 11 November 2008Smedley viaduct clearance work to make way for Metrolink

Clearance work to make way for a new Metrolink line to Oldham and Rochdale is set to start at Manchester's disused Smedley viaduct later this month.

Contractors working for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) will be clearing trees, hedgerows and shrubs along the top of the viaduct.

GMPTE is overseeing a £575 million expansion of the Metrolink network to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton, as well as a short spur to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.

GMPTE Metrolink Director, Philip Purdy, said: "The Metrolink expansion project is progressing well and we are planning to start the main construction work early next year.

"It's been some time since Smedley viaduct was in use and the area has become quite overgrown over the years. We need to clear the area and complete surveys and investigations before we start to build the new tramline."

GMPTE carried out detailed ecological surveys before the work started and is working closely with Natural England and local councils to protect wildlife along the route.

Staff from GMPTE and the Metrolink contractor, M-Pact Thales, will work with local community groups and schools to discuss possible locations for new trees and wildlife habitats.

The new Metrolink lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 26 stops, nearly doubling the size of the network.

Trams are due to begin running to Chorlton and Central Park in spring 2011, Oldham Mumps in autumn 2011, and to Rochdale and Droylsden in spring 2012.

The Smedley viaduct work, which has been approved by Manchester City Council, will take place from 8am to 6pm, and should take around a week to complete.

More information is available from the GMPTE Metrolink Liaison team on 0161 244 1555.

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