A second metro line in Manchester city centre will play a ‘vital role’ in providing a strong and prosperous economy, government officials revealed today.
The scheme will also provide a new stop in Exchange square one of the city’s main retail and leisure areas and a redevelopment of St Peters Square Station.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester committee, claims the second city crossing will help to build a strong economy.
“We’re delighted that the order has been approved and we can now go ahead with appointing a contractor and making a start in the New Year,” he said.
“It’s very necessary to give us the flexibility that having a second crossing will afford us.”
The crossing will provide trams with extra capacity as well as linking St Peter’s Square with Victoria Station.
“By providing the necessary capacity, flexibility and reliability for the future tram network to operate, the second city crossing will play a vital role in helping to build a strong and prosperous economy for Greater Manchester,” Councillor Fender added.
“It’s an essential part of the expansion programme which also complements the city’s redevelopment of St Peter’s Square – so this really is excellent news.”
The new line will allow trams to travel along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street in order to reach Victoria making the City easy much more accessible.
Transport for Greater Manchester expects City Crossing to be complete by 2016/17 as the scheme is an essential part of the Metrolink expansion.
Image courtesy of David Burrell via Flickr, with thanks.
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