We’re on tenterhooks waiting for any news about the possible expansion of Manchester’s Metrolink network, and now we have some exciting, if small, news. Transport for Greater Manchester has made its intent known regarding which new Metrolink lines it wants to draw up business cases for, and pending a public meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), these new Metrolink lines could become a reality.
The proposed additions to the current Manchester Metrolink network include: an airport extension that may feature Stockport, Wythenshawe, and Altrincham, and a north west link that could include Salford, Wigan, and Bolton. Currently, none of the north west areas have access to the tram network, and the other leg will help to connect Greater Manchester further.
This push is set to be discussed at next week’s GMCA Bee Network committee meeting, according to a report, where the GMCA will decide whether or not to progress the report’s recommendations.
Which new Metrolink lines could be introduced?
The airport line case has three strong contenders:
- Stockport to Manchester Airport tram-train
- Manchester Airport western leg, including Wythenshawe Hospital and Davenport Green
- Altrincham to Manchester Airport tram-train – which would also have potential links to mid-Cheshire.
The north west extension also has three schemes under consideration:
- Tram between Salford Quays and Salford Crescent
- Tram between the regional centre to Salford Crescent
- Tram-train from Wigan via Atherton to either Bolton or Leigh.
When could the Manchester Metrolink expansion happen?
Work on the airport line strategic outline business case could begin this autumn, following the submission of the strategic outline business case for the Metrolink’s Stockport connection.
The report puts the timeline for SOC development for the north west line as starting next summer.
Metrolink expansion proposal map
How do these proposed lines compare to existing public transport options?
Currently, none of the areas on the proposed north west line have access to the tram network, adding a Metrolink option to the bus and train options from the likes of Wigan, Bolton and Salford. The line would also make a sensible connection between Manchester city centre and Salford, which doesn’t exist at the moment, making the short journey much more accessible.
The proposed Manchester Airport western leg, including Wythenshawe Hospital and Davenport Green, would help to connect Greater Manchester further, joining up south Manchester alongside the existing lines through the likes of Didsbury, and the proposed Stockport line.
How will the expansions benefit local businesses and the economy in Greater Manchester?
The method used to look at the schemes is sensitive to whether there are already high numbers of jobs and homes along the proposed routes. The Metrolink expansion plans will therefore service thousands more people in the Greater Manchester area, generating better commuting options and bringing visitors into more local economies.
Are any other public transport expansions planned?
Next up are strategic assessments for projects in Middleton and the Northern Gateway and for Trafford Waters, Port Salford, and the Western Gateway. These assessments are set to wrap up by the end of autumn.
The Bee Network is pushing to start “very early” development work on a potential underground transport system.
