Project Profile: Metrolink Trafford Park Line

The Metrolink Trafford Park Line is a 5.5km light rail extension to Manchester’s tram network, designed to enhance connectivity to the Trafford Park industrial estate and key commercial destinations. This profile details the project’s technical specifications, construction, and strategic impact on Greater Manchester’s transport infrastructure. The line, now fully operational, serves as a critical link for employment, leisure, and economic activity in the region.

Technical Specifications

The Trafford Park Line is a standard-gauge tramway extension branching from the existing Pomona stop. The 5.5km route is primarily segregated from road traffic and includes six new stops: Wharfside, Imperial War Museum, Village, Parkway, EventCity, and Trafford Centre. Key civil engineering works included the construction of a new bridge spanning the Bridgewater Canal and significant structural modifications to existing infrastructure. A major component of the project was the comprehensive upgrade of the Crumpsall Metrolink stop to serve as the line’s northern terminus, which involved the demolition of redundant structures and installation of new track-level crossings. The line operates using an overhead line equipment (OLE) power system and is integrated into the Metrolink network’s existing line-of-sight signalling system, managed by the central control room.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Catalyst: The line directly links over 1,300 businesses and 35,000 employees in Trafford Park to the regional transit network, improving commuter access and supporting business logistics.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility: By providing a high-capacity public transport alternative, the project promotes a modal shift away from private vehicles, alleviating chronic road congestion in the Trafford Park area and contributing to Greater Manchester’s environmental targets.
• Enhanced Network Integration: The extension seamlessly connects major regional destinations, including the Trafford Centre, Old Trafford stadium, and the Imperial War Museum North, creating a more cohesive and accessible public transport network for residents and tourists alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Metrolink Trafford Park Line open?
The Metrolink Trafford Park Line officially opened for public service on March 22, 2020. This was ahead of its originally scheduled summer 2020 opening.

Who built the Trafford Park Metrolink line?
The line was designed and constructed by the MPact Thales (MPT) consortium, which is a partnership of VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, and Thales. WSP served as the official delivery partner for the client, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).