A blue print to greatly expanding the Bee Network including new Metrolink lines, and tram train lines have been revealed as part of a blue print for the region as figures show the success of the current network
The plans will see a the introduction of GM’s first tram-train route, connecting Bury, Heywood, Rochdale, and Oldham – plus the Metrolink ‘Next Generation Vehicles’ that would be needed to operate the service.
The total route length of around 25km already has rails in use by Metrolink, National Rail and the East Lancashire Railway, and all existing passenger and freight services must be considered in planning any new tram-train service.
Tram and busway options from North Manchester toward Middleton and Northern Gateway will be looked at with links between
Victoria North, North Manchester General Hospital and Harpurhey, Blackley and Langley (as well as the towns surrounding the Northern Gateway).
A Tram-train through East Manchester towards Glossop, Hadfield and Marple. The line to Glossop and Hadfield and the line to Rose Hill Marple are two of the eight rail lines to join the Bee Network by 2028.
Tram-train from Tameside to Stockport via Denton and Reddish and Tram and / or tram-train from South Manchester to Stockport and Hazel Grove
A Tram-train from Stockport to the Airport
A potential tram-train service between Stockport and the Airport. This service would depend on the prior completion of the Metrolink Airport line ‘Western Leg’
The completion of the full Metrolink Airport line, serving a number of key growth areas including Wythenshawe Hospital and Medipark, existing and proposed housing at Newall Green and Davenport Green, and the expanded Terminal 2 and Airport City.
Some powers required for its construction and operation remain in place from the 1990s.
A Metrolink Trafford Park line extension
Options for a short extension of the existing Metrolink Trafford Park line to serve the major developments at Trafford Waters, Salford Stadium and Port Salford.
A Tram-train on the line to Warrington Central.In the longer-term, options for tram-train services on this line perform well against the prioritisation principles – but there is the difficulty of where these would go in the Regional Centre, so this route is also to be considered for major new tunnelled capacity.
A Tram connection from Salford Quays to Salford Crescent which would see a short Metrolink extension of less than 1.5km of new construction could connect The Quays and MediaCityUK with Salford Crescent station.
Further tram connections between the city centre and Salford Crescent
Transformative proposals for the A6 road includes considering the role that a shorter spur from St. Peter’s Square to Spinningfields or Salford Central could play.
The plans will see eight rail routes integrated into the Bee Network by 2028
The Rochdale stopping services, Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge, Glossop, Hadfield and Rose Hill Marple via Guide Bridge, Alderley Edge and Buxton via Stockport, Airport stoppers,Wigan via Golborne, Wigan via Atherton and Wigan via Bolton
The new plans for transport around the region will be presented at a GMCA meeting in Salford on Friday.
