November launch for Metrolink airport line

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Manchester Metrolink’s new line to Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport is to open to passengers from November 3.

A final phase of trial runs is set to begin on October 20, as test trams begin to simulate the five-trams-an-hour service which will operate on the line from its launch.

The 14.5-kilometre line is being delivered 12 months ahead of schedule. Although trams from the airport will initially terminate at Cornbrook, the opening of the Second City Crossing in 2017 will open up the capacity to allow trams to run directly into the city centre.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “Seeing our trams reach Manchester Airport more than a year ahead of schedule is a truly amazing achievement – and a game-changer for the communities set to benefit from its 15 new stops and frequent, fully accessible services.”

Trams started to run along part of the route from Monday, June 23 as the very first stages of a thorough testing and commissioning process get under way. The 14.5km route, delivered by the MPT consortium, is one of the biggest live civil engineering projects in the country.

Several major purpose-built structures have been built as part of the programme, including a viaduct over the Mersey Valley, two new bridges over the M60 and M56, and the Ringway Road dual carriageway and underpass at Manchester Airport.

1 COMMENT

  1. What’s next after the extension to Manchester Airport. Other extensions to Bolton, Burnley, Blackburn, Wigan, Rochdale, Central Manchester, North Manchester, South Manchester, East Manchester and West Manchester. Looks like Manchester could be the 2nd Capital city of the UK. Or Capital of England which The capital city of the UK is London.

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