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Tuesday, 14 November 2006Multi-million pound Metrolink development moves closer
The multi-million pound development of Greater Manchester's Metrolink network has taken its first major step forward since the announcement earlier this year that £640 million has been secured for the scheme.
The funding is being used to build three new Metrolink lines and make major improvements to the existing network. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has today announced the appointment of a contractor to replace nearly 20 miles of worn-out track on the Bury and Altrincham lines. Carillion Construction Ltd will carry out the work during Summer 2007.
GMPTE's Interim Director General, David Leather, said: "The track on the Bury and Altrincham lines is more than 50 years old in some places and is rapidly approaching the end of its natural life. It's noisy for residents and uncomfortable for passengers. It's also making the service unreliable as the Metrolink vehicles need frequent repairs.
"We're planning to carry out the work to replace track on the Bury and Altrincham lines during next summer when fewer people will be using the Metrolink network. We'll be replacing the track in sections so that as much of the system can remain open as possible.
"I hope passengers will bear with us while the work takes place as it will lead to a major benefit for the network. Journeys on Metrolink will be much smoother and more reliable once it's complete."
A total of £102 million is being invested on the improvements to the existing Metrolink network, which also include new ticket machines, stop upgrades and the introduction of eight new trams during 2009.
The work to replace track on the Bury line is due to begin in May next year and to be completed by the end of September. Work on the Altrincham line is scheduled to start in July and to be finished by the end of August.
GMPTE will provide replacement bus services for Metrolink customers while the work takes place. It will launch a major information campaign early next year to make passengers and local residents aware of the plans.
Work to build the three new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, and Chorlton in South Manchester is due to start in 2008. The bidding process to appoint a contractor will begin later this year.
In July next year, Greater Manchester will submit a bid to the government's Transport Innovation Fund to secure funding for a package of measures to improve public transport across Greater Manchester.
The bid will include plans to continue the Metrolink expansion to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport, as well as into Oldham and Rochdale town centres.
When both phases of the expansion are complete, Greater Manchester's Metrolink network will cover nearly 60 miles, making it the biggest light rail system in the UK.
Media contact: David Harris or Becky Marr on 0161 242 6245, or by email at communications@gmpte.gov.uk
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