WORK has begun in Trafford on installing the new Manchester Airport Metrolink extension.

Tree surgeons have been clearing a large site sandwiched between Sale Water Park and the M60 motorway at junction six which will eventually be home to a new park and ride station.

The task of clearing the site of hundreds of mature trees began in earnest two weeks ago, although the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) was keen to emphasise that a full ecological survey had been carried out and that there will be more new trees planted than removed.

Philip Purdy, Metrolink director, said: “We can confirm that advanced works are underway in that area to clear the route in preparation for the Metrolink line to Manchester Airport line. “The majority of vegetation clearance has already been carried out in January and February. We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and work is being done now before the bird-nesting season begins.

“Some further vegetation clearance will be undertaken in the presence of a qualified ecologist to avoid disturbing any nesting birds. Utility diversions are also taking place to move gas, water, electricity, sewers and telecommunications away from the new line, which will avoid damaging cables and pipes during the line’s construction.”

A planning application for the park and ride scheme will be submitted later this year, while construction on the line is due to begin in the summer, with a completion date of 2016.

The new line, which extends south from Manchester, will curve round and follow the M60 motorway for a short distance before crossing underneath the motorway between junctions six and five, then across Northenden Road, through to Baguley, and eventually Manchester Airport.

Councillor Richard Knowles, chairman of Metrolink’s capital projects committee, said: “This is a very important stage of the delivery, which as well as advanced works, involves developing the designs in further detail.

“Extensive topographic, geotechnical and environmental surveys will also take place and the results used to inform the design process.”

*Log onto www.messengernewspapers.co.uk to see the work taking place.