Light Rail for better public transport
Metrolink Introduction > Metrolink beyond phase 3b: updated 8 April 2011
|
Light Rail Transit Association
Light Rail for better public transport |
|
Metrolink Introduction > Metrolink beyond phase 3b: updated 8 April 2011
|
A referendum in December 2008 rejected the TIF bid proposals. In May 2009 the new Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals were announced, these are enabling construction of phase 3b as described in the line pages.
There were other proposals beyond TIF bid; the Wythenshawe loop on the Airport line, see below. Also a proposed extension to Stockport which requires Transport & Works Act approval and funding.
There are powers to build the line from Pomona to the Trafford Centre. Total private sector funding was required before the line was included in the TIF bid proposals; those were rejected and this line now requires funding beyond the Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals. Outline Planning Permission for the then proposed stops was renewed by Trafford MBC in June 2008.
A December 2010 GMPTE Metrolink future network map is now available on the TfGM web site maps section. It shows an extension to the Trafford Centre and Port Salford which is subject to funding and approval.
The following description is based on this map and a reasonable assumption that the line would follow the approved route until it has to diverge.
Leaving Pomona the route would continue straight ahead and then descended to ground level. A former dock railway segregated alignment, which crosses under Trafford Road and is fenced off from the existing footpath would be used. The western end of this alignment is now Sam Platts and its car park. Part of the car park would be used for the track; the possible Wharfside stop would have been here.
Just before reaching the car park entrance, the route would turn left and cross Trafford Wharf Road to a reserved way behind the hotel and then turn right onto a disused part of the former Trafford Park Road. After crossing Waters Reach most of the route would be alongside roads but segregated from road traffic.
The Manchester United stop would be here on land at Trafford Park Road (A5081) opposite M.U.F.C. coach Park. About 700 metres to the west Imperial War Museum North stop outbound platform would be east of Elevator Road with the inbound platform to the west.
Further on the route would cross Village Circle and run along the north side of Village Way turning into Third Avenue, where Village stop was proposed. At the southern end of Third Avenue the route would turn to the right (west) into Westinghouse Road; this would be reduced to a two–way single carriageway with Metrolink using the remaining space. Village stop is now shown on Westinghouse Road
To the west of Mosley Road a stop is no longer proposed. The route would then continue using former railway alignment alongside Westinghouse Road.
Parkway stop would be on land at Westinghouse Road and Park Way. The route would then pass under the Park Way (A5081) dual carriageway continuing along its western side and cross the Bridgewater Canal.
In the earlier proposals the route would have turned to run alongside the canal. Giants Field stop would have been on land adjacent to Costco car park north of Barton Dock Road, Urmston. Then the terminal stop would have been at the upper level of The Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road, Urmston.
The new routing would continue alongside Park Way, crossing Barton Dock Road, then turning right to Lostock Parkway stop at the southern corner of the present Containerbase site. Then the route would continue along two edges of this site back to Barton Dock Road where it would then turn left and run onto Trafford Centre stop.
A stop is proposed at Trafford Quays with the route continuing over a new opening low level bridge alongside the M60. Another proposed stop is at Salford Reds stadium before reaching the terminus at Port Salford on the Manchester Ship Canal north bank.
Phase 3a extension to Chorlton is shown in purple. The Phase 3b Airport and Didsbury extensions are shown in orange, they are being built with the new Greater Manchester Transport Fund. Main line railways are shown blue. Diagram updated to show stops that will be built on the Airport line.
Originally the line’s route was from Roundthorn including stops at Wythenshawe Hospital, Newall Green and Davenport Green and the Airport. Wythenshawe town centre loop was added to the original proposal following further investigation and public consultation by the GMPTE.
Shown in grey, the western side of the loop was dropped from the Metrolink Phase 3 proposals, see News 28 July 2005: Eastern option agreed for South Manchester and Airport Line.
GMPTE will retain and protect powers for this section. It will require further funding beyond the Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals.
As part of a major new Ground Transport Interchange a 75 metre tunnel section under the Airport access road was completed in 2002.
Metrolink beyond phase 3b: top of page
This page was written by Tony Williams, Manchester Area Officer, Light Rail Transit Association. Contact manwebm@lrta.org if you have any comments, ideas or suggestions about these pages.