Environmental experts inspect new Metrolink routes
Environmental experts will begin inspecting the routes of the new Metrolink lines next week.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is overseeing the multi-million-pound expansion of the Metrolink network to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, Chorlton in South Manchester, and Media City:UK in Salford Quays.
Transport bosses at GMPTE are arranging for environmental surveys to be carried out along the routes to check for protected species, and to record which trees and shrubs will need to be replaced.
Surveys will also take place later in the spring through to the autumn to update noise and air quality information, and to investigate the ground and drainage conditions. Specialists will investigate traffic levels as well to develop plans to manage the flow of traffic.
Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s Interim Service Delivery Director, said: “We’ll be carrying out surveys from now until late autumn to help us prepare for the expansion of the Metrolink network.
“We’ll be keeping people updated about when the surveys are taking place and we’re working closely with the local authorities to plan this work. We need to have up-to-date information about the new Metrolink routes so that we know what to expect when work starts on building them.”
Most of the surveys will take place between 8am and 6pm, although some will involve dawn and dusk observations of bats and other protected species. The people carrying out the surveys will carry ID and authorisation letters.
GMPTE has shortlisted several companies to build the new Metrolink lines and expects to be able to appoint one of them later this spring.
It has sent more than 1,000 letters to local residents and businesses to inform them about the surveys. Information about them is also available by calling the Metrolink hotline on 0161 244 1555.
