Rail-to-tram line will shut down

Date published: 10 March 2010

A rail track in Oldham being converted into a tram track will be shut down three years later, a serious blow to commuters from Newhey and Milnrow.

As part of Metrolink Services upgrade of the Rochdale/Oldham loop-line, the section between Mumps and Werneth will be decommissioned in 2014.

But not before the 2.4km (1.5mile) heavy rail track is altered to accommodate trams from autumn 2011.

It was hoped the old line 3A and the new line, 3B, could continue to operate alongside each other, but it has now been confirmed that when the town centre line opens in 2014, the Werneth and Mumps line will be closed.

The revised plan, which was worked out by Oldham council and Greater Manchester Public transport Executive (GMPTE)s.