![The final concrete is being poured for the new Trafford Park Metrolink expansion as two construction workers look on [Image courtesy of Transport for Greater Manchester]](/resources/images/10641226.jpg?type=mds-article-962)
The expansion of the Metrolink network into Trafford Park is a step closer to completion.
The final concrete for the Trafford Park line, which will take passengers to the Trafford Centre, has been poured on a 15-metre stretch of track close to ITV’s studios.
In total, the new line is due to cost £350 million and so far, 21,100 cubic metres of concrete have been poured as part of the work; or more than eight Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth.
Bosses said they expected the trams to be running in the first half of 2020, with test trams due to run the route over the coming months.
Travel restrictions on Trafford Wharf Road have been lifted and the road is again two-way for the first time in two and-a-half years.
Construction on the new line began in 2016 and the eastbound side of Trafford Wharf Road was made one-way on Monday June 19 2017 to allow work to take place.
Village Way is expected to become two-way once again within the next week, subject to final inspections.
Coun Mark Aldred, Transport for Greater Manchester’s committee chairman, said: “This really is an exciting week for the Trafford Park line with the final pieces of the construction jigsaw put in place, paving the way for tram testing along the line.
“Moreover, the return of a major local road to two-way operation will provide a boost to motorists and I’d like to thank them for their patience during the essential one-way restrictions.
“Once open, the Trafford Park line will enable much improved access to Europe’s largest industrial estate and some of the region’s biggest visitor attractions.”
Coun Andrew Western, Trafford Council’s leader, said: “The scheme is hugely important for Trafford Park and the areas around the Trafford Centre, both of which are essential to Trafford’s economy; not only do they provide thousands of jobs, they also attract a significant number of visitors while also delivering continued growth, regeneration and investment.”
The 4.5km of roads that run alongside the new track have also been improved during the expansion work and 4.2km of cycling lanes have been provided, in effect doubling the existing provision.
The Trafford Park Line is due to open in the first half of 2020. There will be six new stops throughout Trafford Park, as far as the Trafford Centre.
For more information, visit https://tfgm.com/trafford-park-line.
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