New Metrolink depot starts to take shape

Work to create the foundations of the new Metrolink depot in Trafford will get underway this month.

GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive) is overseeing the creation of the second tram depot on the triangle of land near Trafford Bar between Elsinore Road , Ayres Road , and the trackbed of the disused railway line being converted to Metrolink.

40 new trams are due to start running on the Metrolink system over the next two to three years and four new tram lines will be opening in a £600 million expansion project.

MPact-Thales – the consortium appointed to design, build and maintain the new lines and depot – will create the foundations and install drainage at the site over the next couple of months.

GMPTE’s Metrolink Director, Philip Purdy, said: “Our contractor is taking care to construct the new tram depot in Trafford in a considerate way. For example, more than 16,000 cubic metres of material broken up from the original site is being reprocessed and reused.

“That will help us to cut down lorry movements in the area, as deliveries to the site will be reduced by around 1,600 wagons over the next few months.

“Anyone who wants to find out more about the Metrolink expansion project can come along to one of the two drop-in sessions being held in the area in the next few weeks.”

As part of the work, Elsinore Road , which runs parallel to the existing Manchester-Altrincham tram line, will shortly be closed from its junction with Ayres Road , prior to its junction with Skerton Road .

People will be able to find out more about the project from Metrolink officials at two drop-in sessions:

Chorlton Library, Tuesday 2 June, 5pm to 8pm.

New Metrolink lines are currently being built to Chorlton, Droylsden in East Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale and MediaCityUK in Salford .

To find out more about the project, people can also call the Metrolink public liaison team on 0161 244 1555 (open during office hours), email future.metrolink@gmpte.gov.uk or visit www.gmpte.com/futuremetrolink.