Incredible new map shows plan for £1bn mega-tram line in major UK city
The draft of the Greater Manchester Integrated Rail Plan and Transport Strategy 2040 has been published by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
New maps have been unveiled showing £1 billion plans to expand the tram network in a major UK city.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has outlined proposals to expand of Metrolink lines to Stockport, Middleton and Heywood.
A Stockport council report had previously stated construction work to bring the tram to the town centre could cost up to £1 billion.
Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed the introduction of new tram links connecting to these three towns. The latest plans also highlight the necessity for 'building a business case for Bolton working with government, and complementary priorities'.
The prospect of an extension to Stockport has been discussed for years and seemed more likely after the opening of the new Stockport Transport Interchange in March. The newly released map suggests the East Didsbury line could be linked to Stockport town centre.
Mayor Burnham has previously stated that Stockport's new interchange is "Metrolink ready" and that a business case for expanding the network is being compiled, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The proposed extensions include the possibility of extending trams to Middleton, with tram-train lines linking Bury, Heywood, Rochdale, and Oldham around the Atom Valley business site.
Plans also suggest the expansion of the tram network in Salford, requiring '1.5km of new construction' to connect Salford Quays and Salford Crescent. Further Metrolink lines are being considered on the Trafford Park line to Salford Community Stadium and Port Salford.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has unveiled plans to integrate local train services into the Bee Network by 2028, with efforts to bring buses under local control continuing until 2025.
Eight 'priority corridors' have been identified to initiate railway integration, incorporating existing lines in Wigan, Manchester Airport, Stockport, Ashton-under-Lyne, Rochdale, among others.
Additionally, 15 travel networks are included in the plans to expand Greater Manchester's 'rapid transit system', offering residents quick and frequent services such as trains, trams, and buses.
These new transport strategies for the region will be presented at a GMCA meeting in Salford on Friday.
