Early Christmas present as Metrolink roadworks lifted at intu Trafford Centre
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Christmas has come early with the completion of the first phase of highway works for the new Trafford Park Metrolink line at intu Trafford Centre.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has unveiled a new temporary road layout at Peel Circle and removed roadworks to help visitors travelling around TRAFFORDCITY from now until New Year – a busy time for retail and leisure.
Work to construct the new Trafford Park Metrolink line will press ahead at other key locations along the route as well as on land at intu Trafford Centre which is off the road.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Construction of the Trafford Park line is progressing at quite a pace.
“However, we have purposely scheduled our work to help visitors and businesses close to intu Trafford Centre at this busy time of year. We’ve opened newly-constructed lanes and removed temporary traffic lights in the immediate area.
“Anyone travelling to the area to shop, dine, attend an event or ski should be aware that there is a new temporary road layout at Peel Circle to help improve the flow of traffic.”
A plan of the new temporary road layout close to EventCity, Barton Square and intu Trafford Centre, is available on the Trafford Park line webpage.
Alison Niven, Regional Centre Director for intu Trafford Centre, said: “We’re approaching our busiest eight weeks of the year, with shoppers travelling from across the UK to enjoy a day of Christmas shopping, dining and leisure attractions.
“Therefore we’re pleased to have worked closely with TfGM and their contractor M-Pact Thales to arrange the resequencing the construction work and minimise the effect on the roads until the New Year, providing an easier approach for shoppers during this peak period.
“We look forward to the opening of the new Metrolink line in 2020 – it’s going to be new, frequent and convenient travel option for our 30 million annual visitors and 8,000 retail colleagues.”
Sean Anstee, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “The council is in support of any scheme that helps businesses in the borough, especially in the run up to the festive period. This is a critical trading time, so we welcome the removal of the roadworks and look forward to the next phase of construction starting.”
The next phase of Metrolink construction affecting highways close to intu Trafford Centre will start in January 2018.
TfGM is working with M-Pact Thales and WSP to deliver the Trafford Park Line Metrolink extension which is planned to be complete in 2020.
The £350 million Metrolink project – which includes a £20 million contribution from Trafford Council – will support regeneration and economic growth by improving public transport access to employment, business, retail and leisure opportunities in the Trafford Park area and beyond.
The six-stop line will also take in other major visitor attractions including Old Trafford football stadium, the Imperial War Museum North and EventCity.