In The Link with Metro

NEWSLETTERS outlining the forthcoming Metrolink extension lines will be posted to Oldhamers this week.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is launching The Link to let passengers know about new lines to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton.

The Department for Transport gave its final approval for the £575 million expansion earlier this year and transport bosses appointed M-Pact Thales UK to carry out the work.

The three new Metrolink lines will cover nearly 20 miles and include 26 stops. The new 14-mile line to Oldham and Rochdale will replace the railway line which links the two towns with Manchester. The stations on the line will be converted into Metrolink stops and new stops will be built at South Chadderton and Freehold.

GMPTE is also working with Oldham Council to develop proposals for a brand new Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop and there are plans to provide more than 250 parking spaces at stops along the line.

Trams are due to begin running to Central Park in East Manchester and St Werburgh’s Road in Chorlton in spring 2011, Oldham Mumps in autumn 2011 and Rochdale and Droylsden in spring 2012.

The Metrolink network could be extended even further in the future using money from the government’s Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) and a loan supported by the introduction of a congestion charge.

The TIF package of up to £3 billion includes extensions to Ashton, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and Oldham and Rochdale town centres.

Funding has also been earmarked to build a new line to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre.

A formal consultation on the TIF proposals is currently taking place and a referendum will be held later this year.

More details about the Metrolink expansion, including an online version of The Link newsletter, are available at www.gmpte.com/futuremetrolink