Trams could be running to Exchange Square as early as next winter (2015/16), thanks to a major European grant.
Significant improvements to the way passengers can access the Deansgate-Castlefield stop will also be made, thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has had a £10.8 million ERDF bid approved, which will allow the first stage of Metrolink’s transformational Second City Crossing (2CC) programme to be completed before the rest of the line opens in 2017.
That will see the spur between Manchester Victoria and Exchange Square built by next summer which, subject to testing and commissioning, will give Metrolink the ability to run more trams between Shaw & Crompton and the city from winter 2015/16.
The ERDF funding will also transform the existing footbridge linking the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop with Deansgate Railway Station.
In addition, a new lift and steps will be installed at the Deansgate end of the stop and a new pedestrian bridge and steps will be built at the Albion Street end.
Metrolink passengers are also set to benefit from a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform at the Deansgate-Castlefield stop. Two new track cross-overs are being installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions.
The Deansgate-Castlefield work will be complete by summer 2015, after which work to transform the St Peter’s Square stop will get under way.
