Contract signed for Trafford Metrolink line

Transport for Greater Manchester has agreed terms with MPT, the consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales, for the extension of Metrolink through Trafford Park to the Trafford Centre. WSP will continue as delivery partner.

Advanced utility works are now under way along the 3.4-mile route, which will branch off from the existing network at Pomona and call at six new stops, including Wharfside, close to the Old Trafford football stadium; the Imperial War Museum; and visitor destinations such as Eventcity and the Trafford Centre.

Bryan Glass, director of MPT, said: “The consortium has successfully delivered three main contract extensions for Metrolink. We are therefore delighted to continue as a trusted partner to TfGM delivering the latest phase of the Metrolink’s growth.”

The contract was procured as a variation to one that has already seen MPT deliver extensions to MediaCityUK, Ashton-under-Lyne , East Didsbury, Oldham and Rochdale, Manchester Airport and the Second City Crossing.

Chair of the TfGM committee, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “It makes absolute sense to continue the partnership with MPT and WSP to deliver the next exciting chapter in the Metrolink story.

“The phase three expansion programme has without doubt been one of largest and most ambitious transport projects to be delivered in the UK and is unprecedented in the light rail industry in terms of the size and scale of growth.   “I’m pleased that all formalities are now complete – it’s an existing and successful partnership and I know we are in great hands.”

The scheme is the first major project agreed since the Greater Manchester devolution agreement was signed in November 2014. A large part of the £350m funding for the scheme comes from the earn-back deal that was a key component of the agreement, whereby additional taxes raised in developed areas are retained locally. Trafford Council is to make a £20m contribution.

Trafford Park is home to more than 1,300 businesses and more than 35,000 jobs. Work on the new Metrolink line, which will increase the network to more than 64 miles and 99 stops, is due to be completed by the end of 2020.