TRAMS could be running to Exchange Square as early as next winter thanks to a major European grant.
There will also be a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform at the Deansgate-Castlefield stop. Two new track cross-overs are being installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions.
Significant improvements to the way passengers can access the Deansgate-Castlefield stop will also be made, thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has had a £10.8 million ERDF bid approved, which will allow the first stage of Metrolink’s Second City Crossing (2CC) programme to be completed before the rest of the line opens in 2017.
The greenway of the new Deansgate-Castlefield station
That will see the spur between Manchester Victoria and Exchange Square built by next summer which, subject to testing and commissioning, will give Metrolink the ability to run more trams between Shaw and Crompton and the city from winter 2015/16.
The ERDF funding will also transform the existing footbridge linking the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop with Deansgate Railway Station.
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.
There will also be a new inbound island platform and a new outbound platform at the Deansgate-Castlefield stop. Two new track cross-overs are being installed, allowing trams to turn back in both directions.
The Deansgate-Castlefield work will be complete by summer 2015, after which work to transform the St Peter’s Square stop will get under way.
It's all a bit 'Second Life' in these graphics of Deansgate-Castlefield stop
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “This is fantastic news that has far reaching benefits.
“It means the early arrival of trams to Exchange Square, it means more trams for people travelling between Oldham and Manchester and it means the transformation of the Deansgate-Castefield stop.
“Most importantly of all, it means that we can start to realise some of the many benefits of Metrolink’s transformational Second City Crossing a lot sooner.”
Councillor Kate Chappell, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “Coming just days after the news that the new Metrolink line to Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport will open 12 months ahead of schedule, this is another exciting announcement demonstrating yet again that our public transport infrastructure is being transformed at a truly remarkable rate.
“It will enable additional services to run from north Manchester and Oldham, connecting more people with city centre jobs, as well as providing major improvements at one of the most well used stops on the network.”
Deansgate Locks perspective of reconfigured Deansgate-Castlefield
Green walls to the greenway
Tatty bridge to be restored and cleaned
