Manchester Metrolink gets new extensions approval

[SF07]

Following on from the previous extensions to Chorlton, Droylsden, Ashton-under-Lyne plus Oldham and Rochdale along the existing rail route, GMPTE have announced that they have been given the green light to re-route the Oldham and Rochdale line into Oldham town centre and extend it to Rochdale bus station, which should be in place by 2014, and also to build a new line to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe, which should be ready by 2016.

14 new trams will be ordered to add to the 48 already ordering for the new extensions, which will start to run from next year.

www.gmpte.com/2009_news.cfm?news_id=9004272?submenuheader=3

[MetrolineGA1511]

This is good news. Mind you, the opening of the extension to Media City UK seems to have been delayed. Also, I was surprised to see work start on the Oldham/ Rochdale extension before Droylsden/ Ashton. Oldham and Rochdale already had heavy rail and this line has now closed for Metrolink conversion, while Droylsden has no rail of any sort.

[SCH117X]

Not really a surprise, less work needed as the rail route exists so should be up and running in some form so bringing in money from revenues quicker.

[SF07]

Oldham route will open first next year, running between Central Park and Manchester in the Spring and then to Oldham Mumps (not via town centre) in the autumn next year. Should reach Rochdale train station by summer 2012 and Oldham/Rochdale town centres by 2014.

Droylsden route is being constructed at the moment, bringing road disruptions along Ashton New Road and in Droyslden and should open by the end of spring next year, with the Drolysden-Ashton section opening in Winter 2013.

Chorlton line will have similar time scale. Chorlton by next spring, East Didsbury by Summer 2013. Also should be a second city line (not sure when they'll start construction) going along Corporation Street.

As for which route wll go where, trams from Eccles will continue to Droylsden and Ashton, while trams from Chorlton and East Didsbury will continue to Oldham and Rochdale.