Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) is overseeing a £575 million expansion of the tram network which will see it nearly double in size.

The train line through Chorlton closed to passengers on 2 January 1967 but it is being revitalised as part of the project. New Metrolink lines will also be built to Oldham and Rochdale, and through East Manchester to Droylsden.

Councillor Matt Colledge, Chair of GMPTA and Trafford spokesperson, visited the site of the new tram depot in Old Trafford to watch the work start. He said: “It’s great to see work taking place to breathe life back into this disused train line.

“Metrolink has helped to transform other parts of Greater Manchester and I’m pleased that it will soon be arriving in Chorlton. When the new route opens, ten trams an hour will run in both directions between Chorlton and Manchester.”

The MPact-Thales consortium has been appointed to design, build and maintain the new Metrolink lines. Bryan Diggins, MPact-Thales’ Project Director, said: “As the contractor, MPact-Thales is committed to working with local communities, schools and businesses to keep disruption to a minimum, and to keep local people informed about the work.

“MPact-Thales wants to be part of the community during the construction phase, ensuring the best environmental impact, improved training for the local workforce, and a firstclass Metrolink system when we have completed work.”

The new South Manchester Metrolink line will leave the Altrincham line just after the Trafford Bar stop. New Metrolink stops will be built at Firswood, Chorlton and St Werburgh’s Road.

Transport bosses are working closely with Natural England to protect wildlife along the new route. They have also pledged to plant at least five young trees for every tree they need to remove as part of the project.

Construction work on the three new Metrolink lines is due to start next year. Bridge inspections are currently taking place on the Oldham and Rochdale line, and utility surveys and phone line diversions are being carried out along the route of the new tram line through East Manchester to Droylsden.

The new Metrolink lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 26 stops. 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 Metrolink network could be extended even further in the future using money from the government’s Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) and a loan supported by the introduction of a limited, peak-time only, congestion charge.

The TIF package of up to £3 billion includes extensions to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport, and Oldham and Rochdale town centres. Funding has also been earmarked to build a new line to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre.

A formal consultation on the TIF proposals is currently taking place and a referendum will be held in December