Work on the first part of the new nine-mile Metrolink line connecting Manchester Airport with the city is due to begin this month, Transport for Greater Manchester has announced.
Over the next few weeks, the first phase of construction will take off, building the new line in the Mersey Valley area, which spans Hardy Farm, Hardy Lane and Sale Water Park.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: "Given the fantastic response we've had from people about the recent opening of the South Manchester line, we are very enthusiastic about the benefits the Airport line will bring to everyone in Greater Manchester and beyond.
"The start of this work is an exciting development on the new extension, and we're looking forward to people being able to use a Metrolink service that provides a direct link to the airport - one of the biggest employers in the region."
The Metrolink line to Manchester Airport will branch off the existing Chorlton line and run on 14.5km (9 miles) of new track via Northern Moor, Baguley and Wythenshawe to Manchester Airport.
The scheme includes a major Park and Ride site of around 300 spaces adjacent to the M60 at Sale Water Park, which will allow local commuters and passengers to drive to and access the Metrolink network.
The tramline will run into the airport's existing ground transport interchange – The Station – which is currently served by rail, coach and buses from across the North of England, Scotland, Wales and beyond. The Station is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and is at the heart of the planned Airport City.
Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “We have been long standing supporters of the Metrolink extension since it was first proposed. The airport has consistently maintained that support and are pleased to see it coming to fruition, as it will make us one of the most accessible destinations in the region for both passengers and staff.
"We have already invested over £100 million in the airport station and millions of passengers already use our extensive bus, coach and rail routes to get their flights to our 190 destinations worldwide. Metrolink is a crucial addition to our services and will extend our reach into the conurbation of Greater Manchester.”
As part of the initial phases of construction, the ground will be levelled off to make way for the line, with further piling works getting underway towards the end of the year.
Philip Purdy, Metrolink director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: "Given that this work is about preparing the area in advance of laying the new track, some excavators and large machinery will be used.
"We are also committed to doing as much as we can to mitigate against disruption to flora and fauna during the construction of new Metrolink lines.”
Further construction will continue into the New Year and beyond, building on this first stage.
Over the next few weeks, the first phase of construction will take off, building the new line in the Mersey Valley area, which spans Hardy Farm, Hardy Lane and Sale Water Park.
Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: "Given the fantastic response we've had from people about the recent opening of the South Manchester line, we are very enthusiastic about the benefits the Airport line will bring to everyone in Greater Manchester and beyond.
"The start of this work is an exciting development on the new extension, and we're looking forward to people being able to use a Metrolink service that provides a direct link to the airport - one of the biggest employers in the region."
The Metrolink line to Manchester Airport will branch off the existing Chorlton line and run on 14.5km (9 miles) of new track via Northern Moor, Baguley and Wythenshawe to Manchester Airport.
The scheme includes a major Park and Ride site of around 300 spaces adjacent to the M60 at Sale Water Park, which will allow local commuters and passengers to drive to and access the Metrolink network.
Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “We have been long standing supporters of the Metrolink extension since it was first proposed. The airport has consistently maintained that support and are pleased to see it coming to fruition, as it will make us one of the most accessible destinations in the region for both passengers and staff.
"We have already invested over £100 million in the airport station and millions of passengers already use our extensive bus, coach and rail routes to get their flights to our 190 destinations worldwide. Metrolink is a crucial addition to our services and will extend our reach into the conurbation of Greater Manchester.”
As part of the initial phases of construction, the ground will be levelled off to make way for the line, with further piling works getting underway towards the end of the year.
Philip Purdy, Metrolink director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: "Given that this work is about preparing the area in advance of laying the new track, some excavators and large machinery will be used.
"We are also committed to doing as much as we can to mitigate against disruption to flora and fauna during the construction of new Metrolink lines.”
Further construction will continue into the New Year and beyond, building on this first stage.
