Two key landmarks have been reached marking a significant step towards completion of the Trafford Park line project.
The final concrete pouring of the £350m project, due to open in the first half of 2020, took place earlier today on a 15-metre stretch of track by ITV studios. It takes the total volume of concrete used on the project to 21,100 cubic metres, the equivalent of more than eight Olympic-sized swimming pools.
On Sunday travel restrictions on Trafford Wharf Road were lifted, returning the road to two-way operation for the first time in two and-a-half years. The road was made one-way eastbound on Monday 19 June 2017 to allow utility and construction work to take place. Village way will also revert to two-way operation within the next week*.
Transport for Greater Manchester Committee Chair, Councillor Mark Aldred, said: “This really is an exciting week for the Trafford Park line with the final pieces of the construction jigsaw put in place, paving the way for tram testing along the line.
“Moreover, the return of a major local road to two-way operation will provide a boost to motorists and I’d like to thank them for their patience during the essential one-way restrictions.
“Once open, the Trafford Park line will enable much improved access to Europe’s largest industrial estate and some of the region’s biggest visitor attractions.”
Councillor Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “The scheme is hugely important for Trafford Park and the areas around intu Trafford Centre, both of which are essential to Trafford’s economy; not only do they provide thousands of jobs, they also attract a significant number of visitors while also delivering continued growth, regeneration and investment.”
During construction, the 4.5km of highways that run alongside the track have also been improved or renewed and an additional 4.2km of cycling lanes have been provided, doubling the existing provision.
The Trafford Park Line is due to open in the first half of 2020. There will be six new stops throughout Trafford Park, as far as intu Trafford Centre.
