Work to start next year on Rochdale metrolink line

Date published: 28/08/2007

"Work is due to start next year on the new Metrolink lines to Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton." Those were the words of Councillor Roger Jones, Chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, today, Tuesday 28 August, whilst commenting on the completion of work to the track in Trafford. Greater Manchester's public transport leader was among the first passengers to try out the new Metrolink track when the Altrincham line reopened today.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is investing over £100 million on improvements to the Metrolink network, which will also include new trams, stop upgrades and new ticket machines, as well as the line extension to Rochdale.

Nearly 20 miles of track on the Bury and Altrincham lines has been replaced during the summer, and the platform surfaces have been upgraded to make it easier to get on and off the trams. The Bury Metrolink line is currently closed up to Manchester Victoria and is due to reopen in mid-September.

Councillor Jones joined Trafford spokesperson Councillor Matt Colledge on a tram ride from Altrincham to Cornbrook on Tuesday morning.

Councillor Jones said: "This is just the start of a multi-million pound investment in Metrolink. We'll be adding eight new trams to the network in 2009 to tackle overcrowding, and we'll be upgrading stops and replacing ticket machines in the near future."

Councillor Colledge said: "This work has made a real difference to Metrolink. Some of the track was more than 50 years old and so needed replacing. Tram journeys in Trafford will now be much smoother, quieter and more reliable. I'm sure people will appreciate the difference the new track makes when they ride on Metrolink."

Metrolink tickets have been discounted throughout the summer and passengers in Trafford will still be able to benefit from the reductions until Saturday 15 September. Weekly, four-weekly and quarterly tickets have been reduced by up to 20% and return tickets have been reduced by up to 10%.

The work to upgrade the Metrolink network has been carried out by Carillion plc. Engineers have laid nearly 40 miles of rail, 60,000 tonnes of gravel and 40,000 sleepers on the Bury and Altrincham lines. They have also renovated the Metrolink bridge which goes over the M60 at Besses o' th' Barn, and replaced a bridge on Withins Lane in Radcliffe.