Trams could be running sooner than expected on Metrolink’s infamous ‘Second City Crossing’ after TfGM secured a £10.8million grant from a European development fund.
The new route, which will connect Deansgate-Castlefield with Victoria Station, will pass through the city centre and transport bosses hope a new stop at Exchange Square may even be open next winter.
The work is starting faster than expected after Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) secured a £10.8million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) earlier this year.
Playing ‘a vital role in providing the necessary capacity, flexibility and reliability for the future tram network to operate’, the Second City Crossing ‘will also improve access into the heart of the city, connecting both the new lines and people across Greater Manchester,’ said Metrolink.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s city centre spokesman, said: “Once it’s completed, the Second City Crossing will make the city much easier for visitors and our rapidly growing population to get around. While this is major construction work, we are all working hard to avoid any inconvenience.”
The full route will begin in Lower Mosley Street and run through St Peter’s Square, turn down Princess Street and head along Cross Street and Corporation Street to the new Exchange Square stop.
It will then run past the National Football Museum and Printworks to arrive at the Metrolink Victoria stop.
It will give Metrolink the ability to run more trams between Shaw and Crompton and the city.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “To see the start of construction getting under way so soon into the life of this project is hugely encouraging.
“I am really pleased we’re going to be able to bring the section between Victoria and Exchange Square into service so soon, because it is going to be of huge benefit for businesses in a very popular and busy part of the city centre. It is a great example of the benefits the route as a whole will bring.”
For information on the Second City Crossing programme, click here.
Image courtesy of purplemattfish, with thanks
