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Manchester Metrolink

Successful and early delivery of Manchester Metrolink extensions and service enhancements triple the size of the original network.

Location

  • Manchester, North West England, UK

Client

  • Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)

Project Status

  • Ongoing

Increasing Mobility in Manchester

Since 2007, we have worked to secure funding, develop, expand, and enhance Greater Manchester’s iconic tram system. This expansion programme will nearly triple the size of the network with 65km of new lines being delivered in a range of urban environments as well as bringing a range of improvements to transform the wider network. This has included the construction and refurbishment of over 300 retaining structures, tunnels, viaducts, and bridges.

Operating as a fully integrated delivery partner, WSP has provided a comprehensive programme management service, including risk management, project controls, and contract management, and extensive engagement with thousands of stakeholders − ranging from members of the public to businesses, local authorities, politicians, interest groups, and statutory bodies.

Our accomplishments as part of the TfGM Metrolink Integrated Delivery include bringing six new lines into service in 12 phases, with 30km of new line opening significantly ahead of schedule.

Construction and Refurbishment of Retaining Structures, Tunnels, Viaducts, and Bridges
300+ 300+
Opened Months Ahead of Schedule
9 9
Length of Expansions
65 km 65 km

The extension to Oldham Town Centre had funding challenges. We developed a cost-effective solution to construct an at-grade tramway integrated with a fully remodeled highway layout, which has transformed the area to support wider regeneration plans, with significant cost savings.

The 14.5km extension to Manchester Airport opened to passengers in November 2014, over a year ahead of schedule. Collaborative working with the contractor enabled the 5.5km Trafford Park Line extension, Europe’s largest industrial park, to open nine months ahead of schedule. 

Utility diversions are a key cost and programme risk for light rail schemes. The Metrolink extension projects comprised over 600 contracts. On the Trafford Park Line we developed an innovative way of working with multiple utility companies to efficiently design and install utilities in shared corridors.

We helped the client achieve a saving of over £10 million and a six-month reduction on the utility diversions programme, which was recognised by the Global Light Rail Awards.

New Lines
7 7
Stops
93 93
Fleet of Trams
120 120

Awards

  • British Construction Industry Awards, Transport Project of the Year for the Trafford Park Line extension (2020)

  • National Transport Awards - Special Award for “Outstanding Performance”

  • North West ICE Awards, Large Project of the Year for Trafford Park Line (2021)

  • National Rail Awards, Highly commended for Infrastructure Achievement Award and Safety Achievement Award (2020)

  • Global Light Rail Awards, including Project of the Year for Three Consecutive Years plus many Highly Commended achievements
     

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