METROLINK passengers will see the first of many changes to come later this month when the first section of a new platform opens at the Deansgate-Castlefield stop.
“The new inbound platform opening will be the first really tangible sign of the changes ahead."
From Tuesday 26 August, following the August Bank Holiday weekend, the inbound side (for trams heading into the city centre) of the stop’s new island platform will come into operation.
At the same time, the existing inbound platform will be closed and subsequently demolished.
Although the new platform will be fully operational, the final cosmetic fixtures and fittings will be installed at a later date, as work on the wider redevelopment of the stop is completed.
The move will result in some temporary changes to the step-free access, details of which will be provided at the stop before the changes come into effect.
Deansgate-Castlefield Stop
The new island platform is a key part of the project, which itself forms a crucial part of the Second City Crossing programme.
As well as the new island platforms, two new track cross-overs are also being installed, which will allow trams to turn back in both directions.
And, thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the existing footbridge linking the stop with Deansgate Railway Station will be refurbished.
In addition, a new lift and steps will be installed at the Deansgate end of the stop and a new pedestrian bridge and steps will be built at the Albion Street end.
Deansgate Locks
The Deansgate-Castlefield project will be complete by summer 2015, after which work to transform the St Peter’s Square stop for the 2CC programme will get under way.
Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “As part of the wider 2CC programme, the additional track we’re installing will introduce a new and important level of flexibility, operationally, that will benefit a much wider audience."
“The new inbound platform opening will be the first really tangible sign of the changes ahead.”
The Second City Crossing, due 2017, will increase capacity in the Metrolink system.
It will begin in Lower Mosley Street and run through St Peter’s Square, turn down Princess Street and head along Cross Street and Corporation Street before re-joining the existing Metrolink line at the expanded Metrolink Victoria stop.
For more information on the Second City Crossing programme, visit www.transformationinformation.co.uk or contact the Future Metrolink team by calling 0161 244 1555 (during office hours) or emailing future.metrolink@tfgm.com.
