Metrolink milestone

SEALING THE DEAL

CONTRACTORS have been appointed to construct tram lines through Oldham as Metrolink moves ever closer.

The announcement follows the approval for trams to run along Union Street.

Greater Manchester transport bosses recently gave the go-ahead for the £89 million extension into the heart of Oldham.

The one-and-a-half-mile line will replace part of the temporary Metrolink route, currently under construction, which by-passes the town centre.

It is part of a £500 million package for three new extensions also taking trams to Rochdale town centre and Manchester Airport.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has now appointed MPact-Thales (MPT) to design, construct and maintain the three new lines.

Some 48 new trams have been ordered for Greater Manchester’s expanding Metrolink network, with 14 trams serving the new extensions, bringing the total number of trams on order with Bombardier to 62.

GMPTE chief executive David Leather said: “Contracts have now been signed for new lines to Manchester Airport and the town centres of Oldham and Rochdale, adding to the construction that is already under way from Manchester through Droylsden to Ashton and the conversion of the former heavy rail line to Rochdale via Oldham.

“This milestone will see the system almost treble.”

MPT, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK, has already begun work on the three new lines and it is anticipated that trams will be running to Oldham and Rochdale town centres during spring 2014 and to Manchester Airport during the summer of 2016.

Bryan Diggins, MPT project director, said: “It is a great achievement for the consortium to continue working together on this critical project.

“This award will allow us to complete the original vision for Manchester, providing the vital link from the urban areas of the city to the airport, and essential town centre links for both Oldham and Rochdale.”