Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is celebrating after starting work early on the Metrolink Second City Crossing tram project.
The new line, which will provide a new city centre link connecting St Peter’s Square, Exchange Square and Victoria station, will further expand Manchester’s growing light rail network
Trams could be running between Victoria station and Exchange Square as early as next winter, with the full line scheduled to be completed in 2017.
TfGM said it had been able to speed up the delivery of the project after receiving a £10.8 million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant earlier in the year.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman 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 early, because it is going to be of huge benefit for businesses in a very popular and busy part of the city centre.”
November has seen several significant milestones ticked achieved for the Metrolink system, with funding confirmed for the Trafford Centre extension and the opening of the system’s new airport line.
This is the rail link that I desperately need.