http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/andyw823/Junk%202/IMG_0088.jpg

Nice upper quadrant distant signal in the yard there. Yours perhaps? :)

Best,
Slip

geek! ha ha

Nice upper quadrant distant signal in the yard there. Yours perhaps? :)

Best,
Slip

No the neighbours, apperently is was there when she moved in.

18/02/2011 - Abraham Moss, Feb. weekend and overnight working

Construction of the new Metrolink stop at Abraham Moss is now well underway. This new stop will play an important role in Manchester City Councils regeneration plans for North Manchester and specifically the Abraham Moss Centre.

Out of hours working will take place in this area from Saturday 26th February to Monday 28th February 2011, from approximately 1.30am Saturday to 5.00am Monday. In addition we will also be working from approximately 12:30am until 5.00am from Monday 28th February to Friday 4th March.

This phase of work will include the transfer of overhead power lines onto new poles, adjusting the tracks in line with the new stop platform locations and installing paving stones to the front end of the platforms. The nature of this work dictates that it must be carried out when the tram is not operating.

Over the weekend that we will be working, service on the Bury line will be temporarily suspended and a bus replacement service will be provided from Piccadilly to Bury. Full details of this are available online at http://www.metrolink.co.uk under the service information section. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact our customer services department on 0161 205 2000.

^^

Probably landscaped. (Although there are cetain businesses that could do worse than open a branch round here . . . )

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0177.jpg

This has to be a first, a Metrolink-branded "health studio"

Hello people,

Can anyone tell me the current status of the plan to refurb/repaint the T68s? I seem to recall reading something about this being postponed but I don't remember the details...

Is it just delayed due to cost? Or cancelled completely...?

Thanks! :-)

Its being costed up and bids for the work invited. It will be a gradual program over a couple of years as funds become available so probably 1 or 2 trams out of service for a couple of months at a time.

This has to be a first, a Metrolink-branded "health studio"

Surely it is a "health studio"-branded Metrolink? Lady Janes was there first. Wonder if it is where Hemisphere got their inspiration?! :lol:

I just cannot believe that place exists, why do the residents put up with living next to it?

There are such places in Chorlton but they are much much more subtle.

I just cannot believe that place exists, why do the residents put up with living next to it?

There are such places in Chorlton but they are much much more subtle.

Good paintjob though

Hello people,

Can anyone tell me the current status of the plan to refurb/repaint the T68s? I seem to recall reading something about this being postponed but I don't remember the details...

Is it just delayed due to cost? Or cancelled completely...?

Thanks! :-)

It's going to take a long time, and once the Bury line is re-branded those t68's are going to clash terribly with everything else, livery-wise.

As a temporary measure, I wondered whether they could simply paint over the turquoise stripes and doors into yellow, then at least they wouldn't shout at their surroundings? But I suppose then they might look even more chatty in themselves . . . (They would also look like Merseyrail)

PS Joy, next door is boarded up, so there is no-one next to it!)

I thought it said "Lady James" at first. :eek:

I dont think they will just repaint the exterior, It wouldnt give the wow factor for passengers of a full refurb and dent the good publicity when they are refurbed.

I thought they were aiming to fool people into thinking the refurbished t-68s were, in fact, brand new trams?
If that is true they may as well just do the interior/exterior all at once.

I thought they were aiming to fool people into thinking the refurbished t-68s were, in fact, brand new trams?
If that is true they may as well just do the interior/exterior all at once.

Its also worth noting that the t68's has major problems with corrosion and rust. No point just painting over it realy.

I never knew that about the T68s, where do they tend to rust? The chasis?

I never knew that about the T68s, where do they tend to rust? The chasis?

And the doors, next time you encounter one, check out the bubbling paint at the bottom of the doors.

I think the usual places , chassis as you mention, round the window frames, the bottom corners of the doors (future beat me), around the large window on the cab as well. The floors are supposed to be bad aswell, those wooden boards dont like the damp.

Normal places that trap water then. The floors and interior panels are being replaced anyway.

Yeah nothing usual there watcher. All our trains are suffering the same. Some serious welding work goes on at Newton Heath!

By the way to bring things back on topic, I know I asked before but does anyone know what number 3000 series tram the deliveries are up to now?

Gentleman, may I thank you all for your recent updates and pictures that I have marvelled from afar in New Zealand. I was in Christchurch (south island) yesterday riding their tourist tram and admiring the new extension construction.

Hope you are ok!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12533291

It's going to take a long time, and once the Bury line is re-branded those t68's are going to clash terribly with everything else, livery-wise.

As a temporary measure, I wondered whether they could simply paint over the turquoise stripes and doors into yellow, then at least they wouldn't shout at their surroundings? But I suppose then they might look even more chatty in themselves . . . (They would also look like Merseyrail)

PS Joy, next door is boarded up, so there is no-one next to it!)



Think that's a good idea Johnny.

Makes them yellowfied very quickly, they could even be covered with vynal like they did for the Corrie accident. Think they may be wanting everything done at once though like someone else said to try to fool people into thinking they are new.
A friend of mine used to live in London and he thought the Piccadilly line trains were brand new till I said to check out the door tread saying it was built in 1973. They never painted the outsides till the interior was done. So as somebody who knew nothing about trains it works.

Hope you are ok!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12533291

Thanks Redux! Yes, I'm fine, thankfully. We flew back to Auckland on Monday lunchtime, the quake struck Tuesday lunchtime. Land in Manchester next Monday lunchtime (GMT).

On a more humerous note, I see the litter bin outside Lady Janes is carrying the old Metrolink livery. :lol:

Some tangible evidence of the airport extension in Chorlton now with some tree felling around the area where it will leave the Didsbury line and go up over a bridge and round a curve to come out on Mauldeth Road West.

I find this part one of the most interesting on the new line, as it has to go round a tight curve, over a stream and up a fair gradient to reach the road above - here's the plan:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/Capture.jpg

This is the area on Google Maps (obviously a bit old now!) thought it's the opposite way up to the plan above:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/01.jpg

This is what the part where the line will break out onto the street used to look like:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/02.jpg

And now - they have removed many trees and the part where the trams will emerge seems to have had the fence removed and replaced by a temporary metal grille - I assume this is just for access :-) (was standing roughly at the red blob on the google maps image above):

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/03.jpg

Looking the other way back up Mauldeth Road:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/04.jpg

This is the view from the existing track level looking over and up to where the line has to reach (was standing on the blue blob on the google earth image looking towards the red one). You can just make out the light of the bus stop next to which the line will emerge:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/05.jpg

Same spot looking back towards the existing line:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%2022022011/06.jpg

I think this bridge will be quite a piece of engineering, can't wait to see plans of what it will actually look like!! :-D

I think this bridge will be quite a piece of engineering, can't wait to see plans of what it will actually look like!! :-D

Which bridge would that be then? The only bridge I can think of at that location would be the one over the brook and that will probably little more than conduit!

Article here about the Rochdale bridge.

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1qwkw/RailEngineerFebruary/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http://www.yudu.com/item/details/283660/Rail-Engineer-February-2011

Some post ago there was some pictures of old tram tracks which are being uncovered in prep for the new line to Ashton, I was driving in Manchester today and on the East Lancs. just before Salford crescent where they are doing major road works, whilst in a jam I looked over and in the middle of the central res they had uncovered around 2o+ feet of old tram lines inc all the original sleepers, was very impressive to see old Mancanchter laying beneath our roads. Pity I couldn’t get a quick shot.

Even funnier was that later on that day I drove up Ashton new road on new tram tracks.

Work has started on the Ashton line now on Lord Sheldon Way. The section between Ashton Moss stop and the leisure park which is on the centre reservation is now being worked on with a large excavator at work on the reservation and the road is down to one lane in each direction.

Which bridge would that be then? The only bridge I can think of at that location would be the one over the brook and that will probably little more than conduit!

Lol looking at it again you're right - it won't be so much a bridge as... well what would it be? Just a giant concrete ramp with a little hole under it for the brook..?

Lol looking at it again you're right - it won't be so much a bridge as... well what would it be? Just a giant concrete ramp with a little hole under it for the brook..?

I suppose it was a matter of expense but I think they missed an opportunity there. If they had lowered the track bed just a little they could have actually passed under Mauldeth Road and surfaced in the central reservation!

That would have looked so cool!

Speaking of bridges, I just read the link posted by Watcher (cheers for that by the way!). Just to confirm what had been predicted a while back.

The section of line from Newbold to Rochdale railway station including the new bridge over the Calder valley line (and the bridge JDR photographed recently over Milnrow Road) will be single track and as we already know Rochdale signal box will have to go.

Some tangible evidence of the airport extension in Chorlton now with some tree felling around the area where it will leave the Didsbury line and go up over a bridge and round a curve to come out on Mauldeth Road West.

Same spot looking back towards the existing line:






Great pictures and plan Martin - love the way we now think of the once-dead-railway-resurrected as "the existing line". Chorlton? DONE! Next... :)

I agree Martin that this is a fascinating little corner - when complete, from above on Mauldeth Road West you will be able to see Metrolink speeding away in three different directions! Here is another pic I took of it last May in my Airport compilation :-

In order to access this point, it will have had to make a fairly steep climb from the Didsbury-bound trackbed, curving across Chorlton Brook - (bottom right to top centre in this picture) and exiting through the trees on to Mauldeth Road West :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4670.jpg

There are a number of these little watercourses to be bridged, one is at Audenshaw between the Snipe and the Sheldon, and another at Baguley Brook which I put the other day on the 'future' thread :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0307.jpg

Thanks also to yourself and others for the obvious enthusiasm!!

Watcher, what a fascinating article about the Rochdale viaduct with its five sides - (I am secretly hoping that Tony might be able to get some more cab pics as the structure progresses . . .) Also in that mag there is another interesting article on the Docklands Light Railway. :cheers:

Lol looking at it again you're right - it won't be so much a bridge as... well what would it be? Just a giant concrete ramp with a little hole under it for the brook..?

I think it will be more than that as it has to accommodate the diverted footpath. This area used to be known as "27 Steps" , don't know if it still is. Nice to see that there will be a new Chorlton junction reinstated here.

There are a number of these little watercourses to be bridged, one is at Audenshaw between the Snipe and the Sheldon, and another at Baguley Brook which I put the other day on the 'future' thread

Just checked that out - great update!

Question though - whats the definition of what should go in the "future" thread? I would have thought that anything Airport line related would naturally belong in this thread as construction is at least beginning as far as route-clearing...? The other one is called "2CC and future"..

Too many Metrolink threads I keep forgetting to check them all! :)

Agree, all Metrolink threads should be merged into one.

Those who read one thread read them all.

I don't tend to read the "my tram was 10 minutes late" bitching thread.

Just a little before and after - 2 photos taken from the same spot!

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Nell%20Lane%20Bridge/Capture.jpg
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Nell%20Lane%20Bridge/Capture2.jpg

The older photo is taken from the Flickr stream of Andrew L, a poster on these boards - Andrew I hope you don't mind me using it like this, but if you do then let me know and I will remove :-)

Just checked that out - great update!

Question though - whats the definition of what should go in the "future" thread? I would have thought that anything Airport line related would naturally belong in this thread as construction is at least beginning as far as route-clearing...? The other one is called "2CC and future"..

Too many Metrolink threads I keep forgetting to check them all! :)

I've just noticed that the title of that thread seems to be incomplete - I think it was intended to say Phase 3b, 2CC & Future.

Mark O's rationale twelve months ago for setting up the thread was as follows :-

There is so much interest and discussion about the 'Second City Crossing' (2CC), the Phase 3b extensions and ideas for 'fantasy' Metrolink extensions in the long term future, that the Metrolink Construction thread on the main Construction pages seems a bit crowded.

So at this risk of having one too many separate Metrolink threads (please delete this one Bammy/admins if this is the case?) and because after all these are not currently under construction (and possibly unlikely to be for several years) I wondered if it might be wise to have this as a seperate thread on the main page?

It would then leave the existing thread 'Metrolink Construction' thread clear to focus soley on the current 3a build and we can have a good old goss on here about future plans!!

However, construction is now well under way (albeit preliminary) on Phase 3b as well as 3a.* And 2CC will not be far behind (wasn't stakeholder Consultation meant to be last September??)

So shall we decide to move Phase 3b & 2CC to this thread, leaving the other one for people's fantasy future maps etc., and suggestions for what may happen further ahead?

*Edit - it occurs to me that this is a classic example of how quickly things can sometimes happen. This time last year, in the dying days of New Labour, any ideas of having the full public funding for all of Phase 3b would have seemed to all of us like a pipe dream. Then the magnificent Adonis managed to play his trump cards in the nick of time, which were fully endorsed at an amazingly early stage, by his surprisingly excellent successor, Philip Thingy. So now, after twenty years of waiting, we suddenly have heavy activity going on in places as far afield as Ashton, Audenshaw, Didsbury, Withington, Wythenshawe, Baguley, Northern Moor, Hardy Fields, Barlow Moor, Westwood, King Street Oldham and Drake Street Rochdale! (And the bits funded by Peel Holdings may not be far behind?)

Don'tya just love it??! :cheers:

Perhaps now, what with this thread just becoming such an immense size, its time for a 3A and 3B thread in the construction area? By the time the SSC begins the new thread will probably also be massive!

7000 odd replies and over half a million views!!

Metrolink thread: Day to day existing service, any problems.
Metrolink Extension thread: for discussing construction work underway
2CC and future thread: For discussing any future planned work which hasnt begun or for peoples own fantasy ideas.

I'd rather the confirmed, yet unstarted discussion was kept away from Volde's latest wet dream tbh.

I reckon...

1) Extension works
2) Day to day operations
3) Volde's wet dreams

I think the other thread should be left for extensions that do not yet have planning permission and "fantasy" extensions.

- Trafford Centre
- Completion of Airport Loop
- Stockport
- Etc.....

ner, you cannot put 2CC and airport in teh other thread.

Work has started on those. I want to be able to go to a thread and read about the planning app being approved, the surverying being completed etc on these lines that we know WILL happen and are progressing at the moment.

There are people working on 2CC and airport each and every day, even if they don't have spades in their hands so there is news coming out about them as such I want that news in the same place as where I read about the E Dids line etc.

It seems simple to me:

The Extension thread for everything that's confirmed or under construction.
The Everyday thread for everyday issues.
The Current 3b/2CC thread for future speculation and news on post phase 3 possibilities, with schemes migrating over to the construction thread once they become confirmed.

That way all the planning stuff and photo threads will be in the same place, while all the speculating and any long term news/plans will be in another one.

It seems simple to me:

The Extension thread for everything that's confirmed or under construction.
The Everyday thread for everyday issues.
The Current 3b/2CC thread for future speculation and news on post phase 3 possibilities, with schemes migrating over to the construction thread once they become confirmed.

That way all the planning stuff and photo threads will be in the same place, while all the speculating and any long term news/plans will be in another one.

I agree with that! And Wirlie too :-)

Does anyone how the power to change threads like this? I don't know how these forums work!

Just a little before and after - 2 photos taken from the same spot!

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Nell%20Lane%20Bridge/Capture.jpg
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Nell%20Lane%20Bridge/Capture2.jpg

The older photo is taken from the Flickr stream of Andrew L, a poster on these boards - Andrew I hope you don't mind me using it like this, but if you do then let me know and I will remove :-)

I was born in Oldham, moved to Blackpool, and I've been in Bristol over 30 years. When I arrived here, someone suggested trams as a way of moving people around the city. Still waiting. We have these "bus" things, which stop for five minutes at a time to take £4.00 each from the queue of people trying to get to work, but without the right change. Journeys under 2 miles are quicker on foot. Our leaders are building bigger bus stops. These before and after pictures show what can be done. Let's face it, this is basic infrastructure you guys are getting, and it will still be there a lot of years from now. Boy, am I jealous.

That having been said, Bristol is a nice place to live, and I'm not thinking of going back to Oldham. I'll shut up now.

I was born in Oldham, moved to Blackpool, and I've been in Bristol over 30 years. When I arrived here, someone suggested trams as a way of moving people around the city. Still waiting. We have these "bus" things, which stop for five minutes at a time to take £4.00 each from the queue of people trying to get to work, but without the right change. Journeys under 2 miles are quicker on foot. Our leaders are building bigger bus stops. These before and after pictures show what can be done. Let's face it, this is basic infrastructure you guys are getting, and it will still be there a lot of years from now. Boy, am I jealous.

That having been said, Bristol is a nice place to live, and I'm not thinking of going back to Oldham. I'll shut up now.

i cant drive and to be honest, unless my salary quadruples i have no intention of ever learning to because as i dont have kids and live in the city centre i see having a car as a bit of a vanity project. my way of life isnt for everyone, but there a lot of people out there who would either never bother learning to drive if public transport was much improved or only use their cars for long distance trips or those which require them to move heavy loads.

a lot of people are put off the idea of getting on clapped old pacers that stink of piss and trams that are full of low lifes at every time of the day outside of peak time hours.

but the chances of us getting any further improvements in the north of england as long as the tories are in power is virtually zero. a rich southern party, run by rich southern people, for rich southern people.

Agree, all Metrolink threads should be merged into one.

Those who read one thread read them all.

Sorry Wirlie - I for one rarely read the basic Metrolink thread, (too much winging about current service) what interests me are the current construction and plans/proposals for the future.

If you want an example of bad 'threading' look at 'Birmingham Transport' an absolute myriad of mess! Sooooo mixed up that I rarely check it. Tried to re-kick start a thread on their forum re trams/metro but it died a death. An interesting parallel with the current state of expansion plans perhaps?

The way Manchester threads are separated now works well for me and it appears over 596,459 others (on 'Construction' alone)!

We set these separate ones up because there was genuine grass roots need.

The orig. 'Metrolink, one contained crit/news of current system, PLUS actual construction of new lines (that begged a separate thread by the way SSC is set up and rightly so), the Future/fantasy ideas obviously deserved separate billing too as they were being muddled in with current running arrangements.

It makes sense to most. And y'all have joined in with avengence. There was talk at one point of 'fantasy phase 4' thread. Seems unnecessary at the moment but may one day happen if enough traffic is generated.

Please DO NOT merge the Metrolink threads!

Sorry Wirlie - I for one rarely read the basic Metrolink thread, (too much winging about current service) what interests me are the current construction and plans/proposals for the future.

If you want an example of bad 'threading' look at 'Birmingham Transport' an absolute myriad of mess! Sooooo mixed up that I rarely check it. Tried to re-kick start a thread on their forum re trams/metro but it died a death. An interesting parallel with the current state of expansion plans perhaps?

The way Manchester threads are separated now works well for me and it appears over 596,459 others (on 'Construction' alone)!

We set these separate ones up because there was genuine grass roots need.

The orig. 'Metrolink, one contained crit/news of current system, PLUS actual construction of new lines (that begged a separate thread by the way SSC is set up and rightly so), the Future/fantasy ideas obviously deserved separate billing too as they were being muddled in with current running arrangements.

It makes sense to most. And y'all have joined in with avengence. There was talk at one point of 'fantasy phase 4' thread. Seems unnecessary at the moment but may one day happen if enough traffic is generated.

Please DO NOT merge the Metrolink threads!

agreed. i never read the standard metrolink thread.

I'd rather the confirmed, yet unstarted discussion was kept away from Volde's latest wet dream tbh.


PS Wirlie - I respect your posts immensely, but I wonder if perhaps you are being a little too harsh on Volde and others perfectly respectable 'wet dreams'

I forget who said something about "to dream is to project" or summink - but those 1980s conecpts of the 'LRT' that JdR has reposted for us are nothing if not dreams.

Crossrail and PiccVic and MerseyRail et al - all began as ideas. IMHO we kill creativity if we piss too readily on peoples fireworks.

You are so right to anchor us back to reality Wirlie - well done for that, seriously, - but the visionary is someone who pictures possibilities. Even if they don't come to fruition, I'd rather live in a world where we aim high rather than being downtrodden.

Let's be pragmatic and hope for the best - while accepting our fate!

I refer the honorable gentleperson to the post from BoyamIjealous

C'mon? Who in the 1980s saw this really happening? REALLY? We dreamt yes, but just look! Trams will roll where grass once grew! And almost nowhere else in Britain (save Dalston or Bathgate or Chandlers Ford) have been resuscitated like this! Bring on the dreamers I say - (has anyone got any space cake??)LOL

Can SKS post addresses of these forums please.
I can only find this one and the Metrolink one!

Corporation Street between Withy Grove and Market Street is being shut later this week for 28 weeks! Is this to do with preliminaries for 2CC??

Also,

Why did they ever put one of those posts for the PID's on the Mosley Street stop? Surely if they actually put a PID up on there it would only be for a few weeks.

Presumably the contractors had to work on the basis that the station would not necessarily be closing.

Probably cheaper to put it in as it is in case it stays open than having to re-open a closed part of the project.

Corporation Street between Withy Grove and Market Street is being shut later this week for 28 weeks! Is this to do with preliminaries for 2CC??

Also,

Why did they ever put one of those posts for the PID's on the Mosley Street stop? Surely if they actually put a PID up on there it would only be for a few weeks.

It's for repairs to the footbridge over Cross St, discussed here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1309631

Todays MEN has a picture of the proposed Oldham Mumps junction section.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/365.$plit/C_71_article_1409137_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?24%2F02%2F2011%2010%3A39%3A29%3A333

Temporary on left, new Oldham Mumps park and ride and bus interchange on the right in red. There is also a whinge about the allignment being temporary when its always been temporary. Looks like some bus lanes so they can wait to cross the track.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1409137_new_oldham_metrolink_tram_lines_to_be_dug_up_for_interchange

Metrolink thread: Day to day existing service, any problems.
Metrolink Extension thread: for discussing construction work underway
2CC and future thread: For discussing any future planned work which hasnt begun or for peoples own fantasy ideas.

I think this seems to be the general consensus from now on? (Unless anyone has any further strong objections I suggest we now proceed this way.)

The day-to-day current operations and whinges is here :-
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=584932

We are currently on the 'construction' one, which will now include Phase 3b (ie East Didsbury, Ashton, Airport, O&R town centres).

The 'future ideas', fantasies, fascinating maps, and some already on the drawing board such as 2CC (for the time being until it becomes a construction), Stockport, Trafford/Port Salford etc is here :-
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1051297

Are there more than three Metrolink threads?

Anyway, moving on, in to-day's MEN and elsewhere Mr Purdy is clearly reiterating an opening date of Autumn 11 for Oldham Mumps Temporary; although to most of us it doesn't seem ready. Looking for positives, I guess that track can be laid on old trackbeds fairly quickly? - and South Chadderton seems to be the only place where new foundations have been needed? (I am also assuming that they can plonk the track on to the concrete floor of the twisted fin bridge pretty damn quick as well.)

We will see. I was beginning to think that if Oldham 3a was going to be delayed by more than a few months, it would be hardly worth building it - might have been as well to concentrate resources into expediting 3b through the town centre. (As ro2b says, local people have been waiting a long time anyway.) However, in to-day's MEN article Mr Purdy specifically rules this out and seems to commit himself to Autumn 11 for Mumps 3a.

Edit - now seen Watcher's post - thanks for the image
We are going to the exhibition in Oldham to-day at 1645 ish so will report back if there is anything further. Cheers, banana.
:cheers::banana:

The Oldham TC embedded track will take months to lay, probably from as soon as the temporary section opens they will be working for two solid years.

Yes it would cut off Rochdale for all that time as well, so let's hope he isn't over optimistic!

Looks like some bus lanes so they can wait to cross the track.

And the trams will have to cross 7 lanes of traffic in one direction and 6 in the other! :banana2::banana2:

Thanks for the link Johnny.

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/uploads/f2/news/img/2011224_121631.jpg http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/uploads/f2/news/img/2011224_121657.jpg

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/53238/oldhams-trams-vision-for-mumps

This is the first look at how Mumps will look when the Metrolink rolls into town.

The image shows the road layout when long-awaited extension to Oldham and Rochdale is completed.

Trams will run to Mumps station this autumn before the continuation of the line to Rochdale opens next spring. A town-centre section will then take passengers along Union Street from spring, 2014.

The area outside the section circled in red shows the current Mumps roundabout transformed into a junction for drivers and trams. Vehicles will still be able to access the town centre from here, but a new link road at the former B&Q car park will also take drivers from the by-pass to Union Street.

Trams will no longer cross the junction when the town centre extension opens. Instead, the central section shows how the line will divert though the town centre.

By then there will also be a new Mumps station with about 250 park and ride spaces at the B&Q site and stops in Union Street King Street and Westwood. A section of Union Street at Sainsbury’s will be closed to traffic and the route around is still to be finalised. The plans were unveiled by council and transport bosses yesterday.

Councillor John McCann said: “It’s on its way. An awful lot of people in Oldham and in other places have said it’s a dream and will never happen. It is happening.

“This is a massive step forward and a massive chance for Oldham to put itself on the map.”

He hopes that a Metrolink station at Derker will help boost regeneration there. Superfast broadband cables are being installed along the tram route and Councillor McCann said that several “large players” were looking at Mumps.

“It is a massive chance for the Mumps area. What we have got to avoid is going for the cheap option. We need to look long-term, we want quality,” he added.

A mixture of new and refurbished trams will be used on the extension.

Metrolink director Philip Purdy described the new Mumps interchange as world class and added: “I believe it will work very well and gives us the infrastructure that will take public transport in this area into the future.”

World class? :wtf:

Trees, tarmac and a tram stop. It will be an important addition to the transport infrastructure in the region, but in what way is it world class?

The presentations in Oldham are underway.

I'm keen to hear what is said there, people from this forum who are attending be sure to give us the interesting details (if there are any!)

Hi

Do anyone when to event in Oldham today I don't way but I might go on tues plus do anyone ask if Oldham line will be ready to open this Autumn

Hi

Do anyone when to event in Oldham today I don't way but I might go on tues plus do anyone ask if Oldham line will be ready to open this Autumn

:wtf:

Did anyone go to the event in Oldham today? I didn't go but I might go on Tuesday. Also did anyone ask if the Oldham line will be ready to open this autumn?

Corporation Street between Withy Grove and Market Street is being shut later this week for 28 weeks! Is this to do with preliminaries for 2CC??

Also,

Why did they ever put one of those posts for the PID's on the Mosley Street stop? Surely if they actually put a PID up on there it would only be for a few weeks.

Nothing to do with 2CC. The footbridge has developed structural weakness, and it needs strengthening.

Train Guard

Hi

Do anyone when to event in Oldham today I don't way but I might go on tues plus do anyone ask if Oldham line will be ready to open this Autumn

Cheers r02 and others - we enjoyed our visit to the Oldham exhibition yesterday :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0373.jpg

When we asked about the opening date the GMPTE people confirmed that the date of 'Autumn 11' still applied for temporary Mumps. The poster confirms it also. One person put it as 'the end of the year' - (I guess Autumn runs until 21 December-ish anyway, so they have 10 months) - they were very helpful and informative.

My colleague also recalled that the actual rails and ohle to Chorlton went down fairly quickly, once all the preparatory work was finished. Zhoom! So there may be a reasonable hope after all, although the line from Central Park to Mumpas is at least 3 times longer than Chorlton, and has one or two tricky bits such as the finback bridge and the dive & rise at South Chadd, not to mention the various overbridges. Most of the lift shafts seem to be in place now, however, so let's keep us fingers crossed for a last minute Xmas present! :banana2::banana2::banana2:

Anyway, here are some of the renders from the exhibition that we haven't seen before.

The current road layout :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0371.jpg

The 3a plan, showing the temporary Mumps station at bottom centre (more about this later.) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0370.jpg

Notice also the new highway ("Link Road") running from bottom centre to centre left, which will become a major through route between the Union Street/Yorkshire Street area and the A62, both under 3a (above) and 3b (below). Bus only routes have a red outline :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0368.jpg

The purpose of the link road is shown more clearly at the bottom of the second of the Phase 3a renders posted by Dr Fernando Partridge. It seems as though virtually all Eastbound traffic will have to use it :-

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/uploads/f2/news/img/2011224_121631.jpg

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/uploads/f2/news/img/2011224_121657.jpg


Here are some more elaborated views of what it will look like under Phase 3b with the town centre tram route open :-

Buses will pull in to the Interchange at 60 degrees, disembarking passengers into what seems to be a free circulating area for pedestrians, across the lines just East of the tram platforms. There will also be a legacy of prime real estate, ripe for development on the old railway lands, top centre left :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0364.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0366.jpg

One display showed the detailed drawing from the Planning Application :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0375.jpg

And finally some visualisations :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0379.jpg

In this one, the oblong tower with a curved base in the background, is meant to be the elegant Victorian bank building! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0381.jpg

Very nice people :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0382.jpg

One thing which was underplayed a bit, is the temporary station at Oldham Mumps. It was 'off the end' of most of the displays, as the expo is mainly about Phase 3b, and no pedestrian access for it is shown. We went to have a look at it:

As construction progresses, we were told that more pedestrian accesses between the old rail line and the town centre will come into existence. But for the time being, although the temporary Mumps is a bit nearer to town than the old one, it looks like the only way between the two for pedestrians, will be via this humunguous footbridge in the sky :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0359.jpg

The bridge does have panoramic views, however, and from the top you can see the orange blob on the horizon of the old B&Q building on the left, which will totally disappear to create the 250 space P&R (with trees!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0343.jpg

On the right of the view are zillions of concrete sleepers, ready and waiting to be rolled out down the line :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0358.jpg

As you cross high over the by-pass, you can see the beginnings of the new temporary Mump island stop :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0355.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0357.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0344.jpg

Once over the high footbridge, another lower one continues over the rail alignment itself :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0351.jpg

It's great up here on a bright day at sunset, but on a wet Wednesday night with a howling gale in December? - probably not so much! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0353.jpg

In the meantime, turning to the West, the quiet railway winds its way through to the Werneth tunnels, patiently awaiting its own Indian Summer . . .

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0352.jpg

Fantastic update JdR :) Some nice new visuals there as well. I'd always been a tad bit uncomfortable with the idea of losing complete segregation for the railway in Oldham, but some of those visuals provide a lot more substance. I just hope everything goes to plan!

Nice to see some construction at Mumps too :D

Its better segregated than I thought it would be and I think its a good design, im a bit worried that the space for the interchange is a bit constrained putting people waiting in the shelters quite close to the tracks and I would have probably added an extra meter at expense of the car park. There is also the future possibility if they needed more bus stands they could build them on the car park side too.

P.S. They will really need to get their skates on to have that junction alignment changed by the end of the year, I doubt theirs the time for partial closure and they will have to full close the whole junction to complete it in time.

# Yes that's what made me wonder later whether the tracks will be lowered, didn't ask them at the time - perhaps someone can next week?. Edit - on a closer look, I'm wrong about this - the trams still have high platforms. Buses will pull in to the Interchange at 60 degrees, disembarking passengers into what seems to be a free circulating area for pedestrians, across the lines just East of the tram platforms.

# We did ask about closure of the junction, they said it would be done separately in two halves, retaining contraflow traffic on the other half.

Its better segregated than I thought it would be and I think its a good design, im a bit worried that the space for the interchange is a bit constrained putting people waiting in the shelters quite close to the tracks and I would have probably added an extra meter at expense of the car park. There is also the future possibility if they needed more bus stands they could build them on the car park side too.

P.S. They will really need to get their skates on to have that junction alignment changed by the end of the year, I doubt theirs the time for partial closure and they will have to full close the whole junction to complete it in time.

The junction won't need to be completed by the end of this year. The end of 2011 date is surely only for the opening to the temporary Mumps terminus. The new road layout isn't needed till the Rochdale section opens next year. Or have I missed something.

By the way a great report on the presentation JDR thanks.

The new road layout isn't needed till the Rochdale section opens next year. Or have I missed something.

By the way a great report on the presentation JDR thanks.

Yeah, Spring 2012 for Rochdale which takes us upto or around the 20th June 2012. Plenty of time.

Great work again JdR :cheers:

[QUOTE=Johnny de Rivative;73323861]Cheers r02 and others - we enjoyed our visit to the Oldham exhibition yesterday :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0373.jpg


That's an interesting photo of the tram destination display. As "Oldham" isn't centered off and there is a fairly large gap on the left hand side it makes me wonder if they are going to number the lines and that space is for the number?

This area looks fantastic from the plans. Even down to them actually putting the bus stops at an angle which makes them easier to drive out of. Maybe they do listen after all.

Passing Holt town stop today ,it has now gained it's first OHLE mast. I can see this opening by the start of the football season easily. They have 5 months but will they have enough trams? What number are we up to now?

I also have a guess on when the Chorlton to Central Park line will open. I held back before but pure speculation on my part says it will be 28 May. Reason for that is that after looking at the notice this evening regarding Woodlands Road closing on 27 May and Abraham Moss will presumably open on the 28th May, so to save lots of maps coming out the Chorlton/ Central Park section opens and also Abraham Moss all at the same time. Maybe wrong though so let's wait and see.?

Looks to me like its been digitally composited and they didnt want it over the vertical line and sloping reflection so its on the right in the light where its much easier to do :P

Passing Holt town stop today ,it has now gained it's first OHLE mast. I can see this opening by the start of the football season easily. They have 5 months but will they have enough trams? What number are we up to now?



I think they have 27 new trams. More than enough. By August They will have over 30 + 32 T68's (if 2001 ever wakes up)

Over on the Chortlon Web forum, they're saying they've heard the Chorlton stop will open in March: http://www.chorlton.co.uk/Talk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2524

Does this sound at all feasible?

Is the burnt out remains of Oldham signalbox still standing or has it been demolished? Not seen any photos of it recently, but also haven't seen any reports saying that its gone! If it's still there any chance of a photo from one of our Oldham contributors please?

Hi

Thank for taking them pics of Oldham Johnny thanks. I like how visualisations make Oldham better which it is'nt also I hope by 2014 the Whole of Oldham get better because right know it crap town and also notice council of oldham said it will bring people until the town more like people going away from town.

Over on the Chortlon Web forum, they're saying they've heard the Chorlton stop will open in March: http://www.chorlton.co.uk/Talk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2524

Does this sound at all feasible?

Yes

Brilliant updates as per usual JDR. Im still of the opinion that the temporary line should be kept for periods when the Oldham Centreline is blocked for what ever reason. At least they can run around the block then, otherwise it could well see the case of trams being stranded on the outer reaches of the network.

One other thing...

A group from GMPTE + Network rail and Manchester City Council were down at Victoria a couple of days ago. I didn't see them myself, but according to my boss, he was telling me about the plans for a 'three platform metro station' which tallies up with some plans that were posted on this thread some time ago, which I cant find now! He was explaining how the wall where the metro currently passes through to cross Long Millgate will be demolished and will have four lines leading through it, should be an impressive sight!!

Work on the roof at Vic and Metrolink expansion works will apparently be happening together with the first works on the station beginning in March.

Looks to me like its been digitally composited and they didnt want it over the vertical line and sloping reflection so its on the right in the light where its much easier to do :P

The way I see it, they've used an 'Altrincham' display, cut off the 'Altrinc' and then slapped on an 'Old' from an 'Old Trafford' display.

If that makes any sense :lol:

Brilliant updates as per usual JDR. Im still of the opinion that the temporary line should be kept for periods when the Oldham Centreline is blocked for what ever reason. At least they can run around the block then, otherwise it could well see the case of trams being stranded on the outer reaches of the network.

One other thing...

A group from GMPTE + Network rail and Manchester City Council were down at Victoria a couple of days ago. I didn't see them myself, but according to my boss, he was telling me about the plans for a 'three platform metro station' which tallies up with some plans that were posted on this thread some time ago, which I cant find now! He was explaining how the wall where the metro currently passes through to cross Long Millgate will be demolished and will have four lines leading through it, should be an impressive sight!!

Work on the roof at Vic and Metrolink expansion works will apparently be happening together with the first works on the station beginning in March.

Two island platforms did appear in early Victoria renovation images (before the project was toned down). Having the extra platforms makes terminating services quite easy and even a turnback for trams from the Bury direction e.g. if City Centre was closed. If it is indeed three platforms there may be a siding as well.

I wish they would create a plan to remove the sharp curve inside Victoria, but I think it is here to say.

Work has started at Jacksons Boat on the Airport line

One from from JDR Circa April last year. I think this is roughly the same position, although I've never visited the location myself though.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4702.jpg

And one from Flickr. Thank you user 'showmemanchester'

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5474877672_d352abb0b9_b.jpg

The Metrolink , its is a comin!

Yes

Just idiot Chorltonites who I would really like so shoot. All people in Chorlton do is moan and moan. Most people would be glad of a light rail system. And if they think it will be the same speed as the bus they clearly have not traveled on the Metrolink!

Idiots the lot of them, Chorltoners are stuck up gits.

PS I was born in Chorlton and have lived here all my life :)

I must go down to Hardy Lane and take some pictures but I have been so so so so busy.

As you cross high over the by-pass, you can see the beginnings of the new temporary Mump island stop :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0355.jpg



Wow. I now live in Western Canada but I grew up in Oldham. I used to walk over that bridge and then over the train bridge. Back then, there were semaphore signals on the bridge and many railway lines below. Certainly more than the two tracks - and there were no trees, those had all been planted when I was a kid. But then, there was also the Odeon and ABC theatres on Union Street.

Is the burnt out remains of Oldham signalbox still standing or has it been demolished? Not seen any photos of it recently, but also haven't seen any reports saying that its gone! If it's still there any chance of a photo from one of our Oldham contributors please?

There used to be a regulatory requirement to run a full ghist service for 6 weeks to show the H&S Exec and other regulators that the service pattern was possible and safe to operate. Certainly was for the opening of Phase 1, 2 and NET in Nottingham.

Has this requirement been dropped? If no, mid-April is the earliest possible if they started the testing tomorrow. Which they won't.

Work has started at Jacksons Boat on the Airport line

One from from JDR Circa April last year. I think this is roughly the same position, although I've never visited the location myself though.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4702.jpg

And one from Flickr. Thank you user 'showmemanchester'

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5474877672_d352abb0b9_b.jpg

The Metrolink , its is a comin!

Back around the year 2000, when the route for the airport line was first announced in detail and it was clear that it'd run over some of the land at Sale Golf club and Jacksons Boat the pub started a campaign against the line.

Inside the pub were posters all about how bad it would be. Although I never played the golf course I hear that they were equally unhappy.

Now that they both received compensation the opposition melted away. In fact my brother lives next door to the captain of Sale Golf Club (and a couple of MPs - he is posh!) the golf club captain reckons it's the best thing that ever happened to them. The extra money to compensate for the loss of a part of the course has allowed them to make the course much better than it ever was previously.

There used to be a regulatory requirement to run a full ghist service for 6 weeks to show the H&S Exec and other regulators that the service pattern was possible and safe to operate. Certainly was for the opening of Phase 1, 2 and NET in Nottingham.

Has this requirement been dropped? If no, mid-April is the earliest possible if they started the testing tomorrow. Which they won't.

I think trial or shadow running is still required along with emergency exercises to show how incidents can be managed in co-operation with the Emergency Services. The only difference now is that the system isn't formally approved by HMRI. The safety verification procedure is now in the hands of the promoter/ operator who has to employ an independent assessor.

Now things are happening on the Airport line I`ll try to become a bit more active (I live a few hundered yards from the Northern Moor stop.) I even set up a Photobucket account especially :)

Local Lad's photos above made me want to go have a look for myself; obviously my photos are more or less identical to his but hey you can never have too many photos right?? :-D

Looking up Hardy Lane toward Barlow Moor Road station - nothing to see here!
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/01.jpg

Love seeing signs like this! On the gate at the bottom of Hardy Lane:
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/02.jpg

Up and over the same fence looking at the swathe of vegetation cleared away down to the Mersey:
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/03.jpg

From the other end of said swathe looking back towards Hardy Lane:
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/04.jpg
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/05.jpg

No sign of action on the other side of the Mersey though...!
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/06.jpg

but hey you can never have too many photos right?? :-D



Only on a dial-up connection :|

or on a 7 year old laptop with a dodgy 3G dongle :(

but the pictures on here are worth the wait!

:cheers: to the photographers

Arrived this week:

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/utilitiesmapfeb2011.jpg
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/utilitiesletterFeb2011.jpg

Only on a dial-up connection :|

Would you rather people post fewer photos Voldy?

Not at all, I was just pointing out that some people with a Dial-up connection may find it difficult. No intent, just a statement.

People still have dial-up connections?

Or mobile phone connections/data allowances.

Work has started at Jacksons Boat on the Airport line

One from from JDR Circa April last year. I think this is roughly the same position, although I've never visited the location myself though.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4702.jpg

And one from Flickr. Thank you user 'showmemanchester'

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5474877672_d352abb0b9_b.jpg

The Metrolink , its is a comin!

I always liked that lonely silver bush, which is actually about halfway between Hardy Farm and Jackson's Boat. I was kinda hoping that the route wouldn't go precisely through it, so we could perhaps get a view of it as we went by. But I've a horrible feeling that it's the same one in both pictures above!! Here it was from a distance, looking like a ghost across the sleepy plain. However, at the risk of waxing lyrical, it still gives me goose bumps to think that one day soon, Metrolink will give us similarly ephemeral flashes of brilliance, as it glides fleetingly through in the failing light, or in the dark stillness of the madrugada . . . :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4701.jpg

And 'Jackson's Boat' itself on the Mersey :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_4705.jpg

No sign of action on the other side of the Mersey though...!
http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Airport%20line%20-%20Mersey%2026022011/06.jpg

But aren't those two blue pegs on the other bank, the first signs of something stirring martin? There's lots of them on the Ashton by-pass.

Not at all, I was just pointing out that some people with a Dial-up connection may find it difficult. No intent, just a statement.It's not the number of photos but the size of some that I find hard to handle at times, especially when I'm not viewing the threads on a PC. Some hosting sites are better than others at producing reasonable image sizes for the forum.

But aren't those two blue pegs on the other bank, the first signs of something stirring martin? There's lots of them on the Ashton by-pass.

You know Johnny I didn't even notice those! ;)

Noticed a T68 on Trafford Depot yesterday (think it was 1020), so possible its there for testing on South Manchester line this weekend as can't think of any reason why it would be there.

I saw that too, I do hope so, I don't like the SM Line just languishing untouched! I will be keeping an eye out. There was no action yesterday that I saw :-(

[
Passing Holt town stop today ,it has now gained it's first OHLE mast. I can see this opening by the start of the football season easily. They have 5 months but will they have enough trams? What number are we up to now?


Now joined by a few more poles :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0403.jpg

Even if its not quite ready by August, after all these years since the Commonwealth Games, I guess they will probably manage the first few matches till it is! The turnback for football specials will be at Velopark :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0406.jpg

Meanwhile, back at the other end, the first beginnings of a paint job at the back of Piccadilly :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0398.jpg

Brill Johnny, ace that they are starting to sort out the arse end of Piccadilly, it looks 10 times better even just with that lick of paint!

Got my letter detailing the duration of the utility diversions for the Airport line in the post this morning (love living close enough to developments that I get these!), letter is the same one that Marni posted on the previous page but obviously my map relates to my area i.e. the very first part of the Airport Line:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Scan.jpg

Looks like all utility diversions here should be finished in May so hopefully soon will get some proper construction action!

Airport line is totally my favourite :-D

I realised too that thit won't actually have to climb THAT much to get onto Mauldeth Road, as it emerges a lot further down than I thought - it crawls along through what are currently the school grounds until the road comes back down to ground level.

I saw that too, I do hope so, I don't like the SM Line just languishing untouched! I will be keeping an eye out. There was no action yesterday that I saw :-(

I just took a walk past St WB's with the little fella, good to see the locals have already graffiti'ed the new ramp and wall. I have a horrible feeling that place is going to be trashed within a few days of being open, I am not sure why they bothered putting a lift in, I give it less than 4 months before its burnt out. Chorlton isn't that rough an area but for some reason this corner seems to be graffiti central

The little bastards should have a finger cut off. Effing HATE graffiti!

Stalking Johnny and the Nothern sections of the Rochdale line photo update :cheers:

Around the Back at Picc as JDR has already photographed, heres mine anyway.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000695.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000698.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000700.jpg

Starting to gain its finish at Portugal Street East, it looks good!

Couple from Cambrian Street bridge. Rails into the sunset.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000702.jpg

And the other way, still no rails yet

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000703.jpg

I went to Monsall, Dean Lane and Shaw after that

Monsall. All we need are the trams!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000704.jpg

Dean Lane Towards town... still no rails

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000707.jpg

Dean lane Bridge

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000709.jpg

Dean lane station I was pleasantly surprised :D

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000710.jpg

Rails waaaaay!

Next Stop Shaw, and finally some progress!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000712.jpg

Not sure what this is.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000713.jpg

Platform base

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000714.jpg

And towards Rochdale...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000711.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000715.jpg

Finally Newhey

No Change here. As you can see the weather got worse and worse the further north I went :ohno:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000717.jpg

South

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/P1000716.jpg

North

I saw that too, I do hope so, I don't like the SM Line just languishing untouched! I will be keeping an eye out. There was no action yesterday that I saw :-(

Spotted today, there are a lot of signs and notices on the new temporary barricades at the top of the stairs at Chorlton Station, one saying caution, trams running 24 hours of the day!

Some terrific shots there, Tony, loved 'em!. :cheers: They might just make it to Oldham this year . . .

marni, the link has broken to the maps you put on previous page - any chance of re-posting them? :cheers:

marni, the link has broken to the maps you put on previous page - any chance of re-posting them? :cheers:Fixed.

Looking forward to the 4th March Capital Projects Committee - Meeting Papers going online. It's normally a week before. Hopefully they will go online today and they'll be a few insightful pieces of info!

Yeah it is a little late, its usually up by at least the friday before, sometimes upto a fortnight before.

Yeah it is a little late, its usually up by at least the friday before, sometimes upto a fortnight before.

They are up!

http://www.gmita.gov.uk/gmita/downloads/download/943/capital_projects_committee-4_march_2011

Looks like it was late because they were waiting for 'Media City - Retrospective Review' to be done.

From The Metrolink Capital Programme

* Cornbrook turnback will be completed before TMS goes live.
* TMS is still planned to go live this Spring.

Metrolink Phase 3A - Oldham Rochdale Line 1 : Queens Road to Central Park
Trackwork substantially complete, wires energised from February followed by dynamic testing. Finishing works taking place at Monsall including landscaping. Equipment is still being installed at Central Park. The work has gone over budget and slightly behind schedule because of greater remedial works being required than expected.

Metrolink Phase 3A - Oldham Rochdale Line 2 : Central Park to Oldham Mumps
Ballast and final drainage going in at Dean Lane, track now installed as far as the NR section at Failsworth. Foundations complete at all stops with precast platform sections going in from mid Feb. Like the other section works are overbudget as structures required more remedial work than expected, in particular Block Lane near the Freehold stop and Featherstall Road Bridge which requires metalwork replacing from late Feb.

Metrolink Phase 3A - Oldham Rochdale Line 3 : Oldham Mumps to Rochdale
Drainage and ducting installation ongoing along with foundations for Newhey and Milnrow stops. Work on the Rochdale bridge installing the deck will continue in a series six 24 hour weekend possesions and NR is being pushed to complete the programme of signalling modifications within schedule.

Metrolink Phase 3A - East Manchester Line
Construction has continued throughout the East Manchester Line including on-street works between Cemetery Road and Market Street in Droylsden. The revised Droylsden stop is under construction with completion expected according to the original timeline of Summer 2012.

Metrolink Phase 3A - South Manchester Line
OLE works continued with energisation and testing expected in early 2011. Handover of stops to Metrolink will occur in March. TMS installation ongoing with some challenges to ensure its robustness at the interface with Trafford Bar.

Depot
Handover of maintence and operation will take place in March.

Metrolink Phase 3B - Droylsden to Ashton
Detailed design of Ashton section issued in December with utility diversion to be complete by March 2011. Ashton Moss P&R construction commenced in January and it will also be the main works compounds for this section.

Metrolink Phase 3B - Chorlton to East Didsbury Extension
Construction of site compounds has begun with utilities diversion and drainage in progress. Agreement in principle has been reached with MCC for the Trans Pennine trail (a 3m wide cycle/footpath the length of the route) with 3m of land extra land being purchased from Barlow High School so the route can pass by.

Metrolink Phase 3B - Airport Line Extension ; Oldham town centre and Rochdale town centre extensions

Detailed design of Hough End to Airport section has begun. Vegetation clearance permission was recieved on 21st Jan and work commenced on 24th Jan. Network Rail, MPT and GMPTE are continuing to develop designs at the heavy rail interfaces along the Airport extension and taking into account the SEMMMS road scheme. Agreement has been reached with Network Rail to provide passive provision at Outwood Lane for the new Metrolink Airport Alignment 4th platform at Manchester Airport Railway Station.

Oldham Mumps plans will be sumbitted in late Feb/Mar (weve already had these), ongoing design work to replace the Co-op Funeral Parlour, planning app will be submitted in March. The contractor has commenced detailed design of the Rochdale Town Centre extension and modelled a junction layout for the Maclure Road / Drake Street Junction, which RMBC have indicated would be acceptable, prior to the link road construction.

There are six times the number of utilities diversions required for 3B as for 3A. To speed up work GMPTE are talking directly to them at director level and several working groups have been set up to co-ordinate work. 2CC design work completed, consultation and TWA Order application in Spring 2011. PID rollout programme in place but behind schedule because TMS is 'facing challenges'.

Line Refurbs
Bury line tenders will be reviewed in March. Abraham Moss begun to be completed in Spring 2011. Talks are taking place with NR about alterations to the undercroft at Piccadilly to enhance Rail/Tram passenger interface and to allow for through services, in addition works to cater for abnormal passenger loads for special events. Specifications are being jointly prepared for review.

Tram mid life refurbs (beyond the current upgrade programme) is currently being reviewed for Value-for-money due to spending constraints. Bowker Vale substation will open in Spring 2011. Dft recieved 40 letters about Mosley Street Closure and 10 so far on Woodland Road Closure, GMPTE is going through them with the Dft to address individual concerns raised.


More to follow...

Very interesting, thank you for that apologiesforthedelay.

The construction updates are nothing that we didn't already know being the news-hounds that we are on here :lol:

One interesting PDF was the 'Metrolink stops in Rochdale' one

http://www.gmita.gov.uk/downloads/file/3362/item_10-metrolink_stops_in_rochdale

It is now proposed that Drake Street Station in Rochdale town centre will no longer be built and instead the Kingsway Business park station will be built. The will mean Just two stations on the Rochdale Street running section.

Shame because I was looking forward to stopping at 'Wetrake' station before they changed the name, and now its not even being built! No worries

Doesn't look like we'll be seeing any bananised T68s anytime soon! :(

2012 its looking like Martin.

Doesn't look like we'll be seeing any bananised T68s anytime soon! :(

Next Steps

3.1 The following next steps are proposed:
Capital Projects Committee approval for Trial March 2011
Undertake and complete Solebar Trial April 2011 Develop final Refurbishment scope April 2011
ITA (TfGMC) Approval for Refurbishment programme April/May 2011
Launch procurement for main works May 2011
Award main works contract November 2011
Complete main works on first tram June 2012

June 2012 at the earliest. :ohno:

Tram Mid Life Refurbs

Rolling stock has a design life of 30 years with upto 10 more years of operation beyond that. It is expected that it will have at least one comprehensive mid life refurbishment. The first trams entered service in 1990 and have not yet had a mid life refurb. They have become considerably unreliable as low as 2360 miles between failures, the upgrade and reliability program has improved this to 5000 miles but its still poor compared to the M5000's 20,000 miles between failures.

A programme was initiated which identified the following priorities:

* Ensure that the trams are able to operate for the remainder of their design life. The key initiatives in this regard include:
- repair works to corroded solebars which are the key structural frames supporting the trams’ floor
- removing the sliding steps which will not be required when Mosley Street tramstop is removed
- addressing obsolescence of key components, particularly the power semiconductors
- ensure any modification should not preclude any future adaption of the interior of trams, should there be a future change in policy in relation to the carriage of bikes

* Improve the trams’ reliability levels to at least 10,000 miles between service affecting failures;

* Achieve full compliance with Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) – this is a legal requirement if the trams are to operate beyond 1st January 2020;

* Modernise the tram interiors to improve the passenger experience and to facilitate improved maintenance and cleaning; and

* Apply a new livery consistent with the new Metrolink visual identity.


Prior to budget cuts £8.95m was budgeted for this, £7m from minor works budget and £1.95m from borrowing with work to take place between 2011 and 2013 during the period where there would be excess M5000's in service to cover. The programme is now being reviewed to find savings.

It is proposed the new programme:

* Work to ensure they can serve the remainder of their design lifetime
* Work to ensure Saloons meet RVAR from 2018/19
* Increase reliability to 10,000 miles between failures

It is being considered if body wraps (full body adverts similar to Blackpool) could help finance interior and exterior improvements.#

The main structural issue is the solebars, previous examination methods have found differing levels of corrosion and this is a budgetary uncertainty so it is proposed one tram is taken apart to check at a cost of £80k from existing budgets, this will take approx 6 weeks. When the condition of the Solebars is known a programme can be costed and worked up.

Capital Projects Committee approval for Trial March 2011
Undertake and complete Solebar Trial April 2011
Develop final Refurbishment scope April 2011
ITA (TfGMC) Approval for Refurbishment programme April/May 2011
Launch procurement for main works May 2011
Award main works contract November 2011
Complete main works on first tram June 2012

More to follow...

Very interesting, thank you for that apologiesforthedelay.

The construction updates are nothing that we didn't already know being the news-hounds that we are on here :lol:

One interesting PDF was the 'Metrolink stops in Rochdale' one

http://www.gmita.gov.uk/downloads/file/3362/item_10-metrolink_stops_in_rochdale

It is now proposed that Drake Street Station in Rochdale town centre will no longer be built and instead the Kingsway Business park station will be built. The will mean Just two stations on the Rochdale Street running section.

Shame because I was looking forward to stopping at 'Wetrake' station before they changed the name, and now its not even being built! No worries

They do have a pretty convincing case against Drake Street and Kingsway has been a unfunded priority for ages. But interestingly their still going ahead with the bid for funding for the stop, so i guess if they do get that then the savings from Drake street could perhaps pay for the Oldham bridges being in worse condition than expected.

From Capital Programmes doc

* £935,000 of Minor Works Funding was released and a DfT grant of £2.2 million has been received to support the work to develop multi modal smart-ticketing strategies.

* The work currently being undertaken is focused on developing a scheme for a phased implementation of a Greater Manchester smart ticketing strategy i.e. Metrolink, bus then rail. Recent and ongoing activities include:
- Testing specification and requirements for a platform validator prototype on Metrolink stops have been produced. Testing specification and test infrastructure requirements for a Smartcard Reader have been produced.
- Equipment has been ordered and software development has started. Work has commenced on the Altrincham and Bury lines to install ducting for the validators.
- Design work has also been undertaken with regard to positioning the validators on the Eccles Line and City Centre stops.

Any word on how long it will be until the retrospective TMS report on MC is due?

Seems critical the many of the short terms projects.

Also, like the smart card developments.

Been reading this thread for a few months and love all the photos and updates. After the post about blue pegs on the banks of the Mersey I thought I'd post.

Driving home from work today I noticed a blue peg on Ringway Road West. Its on the verge by the business park portacabin. So I assume this is the crossing point.

This had me thinkng. When the link road is finally built (proabably years from now) will this be a flat crossing across mutliple lanes of traffic. It's not the quiestest stretch of road at the best of times.

They today published a review of Media City extension which specifically excluded TMS from consideration, so feel free to bang your head against the wall. Lot of babble but boiled down to a few considerations, The contractor will now have to prove it is capable of carrying out works during a blockade before it will be granted after Media City blockades where the contractor couldnt get materials/staff to site on time. SCC wanted more control and were annoyed at the slow pace of Peels architects. They underestimated how much work would be required on the junction to existing network. They will now require site managers be appointed. few other niggling organisational issues where there were too many cooks.

Been reading this thread for a few months and love all the photos and updates. After the post about blue pegs on the banks of the Mersey I thought I'd post.

Driving home from work today I noticed a blue peg on Ringway Road West. Its on the verge by the business park portacabin. So I assume this is the crossing point.

This had me thinkng. When the link road is finally built (proabably years from now) will this be a flat crossing across mutliple lanes of traffic. It's not the quiestest stretch of road at the best of times.

Welcome, Crossefield!

Yes, it's a busy and fast-moving road, that. But I guess the lights will only have to change against the traffic for a few seconds, twice every twelve minutes. (The temporary line in Oldham will have to cross 7 lanes at double that frequency!!)

Also, the whole road system on that Eastern approach to the Airport is about to be redevoped massively, so the final alignment could be quite different. The preliminary works will be just about diverting utilities, etc.

All the best! :cheers:

Yeah, Isn't the plan for Aviator Way to link up with the Airport Eastern Link-Road?

Semmms website has some plans of how ringway road will look

Hi

I walk down to South Chadderton Station today and I notice that they start laid the track down they, I couldn't take any picture becuase I forgot my Phone and also they closed the footpath too.

Yeah, Isn't the plan for Aviator Way to link up with the Airport Eastern Link-Road?The original plan was for the SEMMMS to run parallel to it, with the Met crossing RR West on a bridge, skirting the rear of the Hilton car park / long stay before curving into a drop down into the station. Later plans show at grade signal controlled.

WatcherZero, from GMPTE Capital Projects Report: Metrolink Phase 3A - East Manchester Line
Construction has continued throughout the East Manchester Line including on-street works between Cemetery Road and Market Street in Droylsden. The revised Droylsden stop is under construction with completion expected according to the original timeline of Summer 2012.

The original timeline was Spring 2012, but I guess this slippage has resulted from the re-design of the temp terminus at Droylsden centre, and the "issue" with Milliners Wharf about the foundations for a substation. (That's the big block of grey flats at New Islington that will do well out of Metrolink, even though they look like landings from Prison Cell Block H - Apartments from £85,000).

However, talking to one of the senior foremen to-day, he confirmed that because of the issue with the substation, they are trying if at all possible to get it open as far as Eastlands by late August 2011 (football) and they are hoping for test running of LRV's in about June . . . There must be enough power to get it that far without the substation, and as he also confirmed, it's all about potential revenue!

Drake Street removal makes sense, as it is literally just round the corner from RRS, and more or less on the same level. Mind you, Oldham King Street and Central are also close together, but don't let me start anything!!

Freight working on the Ardwick branch :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0483.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0487.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0477.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0476.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0475.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0470.jpg

The grand entrance to ASDA, now with widely spaced <> tramlines, and a new B of the Bang? :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0460.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0461.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0455.jpg

As part of the Eccles line closure this weekend it looks like they might be replacing a piece of rail near Exchange Quay.

As part of the Eccles line closure this weekend it looks like they might be replacing a piece of rail near Exchange Quay.

could be, but they only did that last year so don't know how it could have worn so much in that time?

could be, but they only did that last year so don't know how it could have worn so much in that time?

There is a piece of rail on the bend near the road junction/entrance to Exchange Quay, so I presume they are planning something.

Can anyone tell me what the design of the Didsbury section at Palentine road bridge is going to be like?
The reason why I ask this is I'm wondering why the original embankment/cutting has been filled in along the section in front of the parade of shops on Lapwing Lane. It has been substantially done. Is this to be a temp thing for access of plant equipment to get down to the section near Wilmslow Road?

Can anyone tell me what the design of the Didsbury section at Palentine road bridge is going to be like?
The reason why I ask this is I'm wondering why the original embankment/cutting has been filled in along the section in front of the parade of shops on Lapwing Lane. It has been substantially done. Is this to be a temp thing for access of plant equipment to get down to the section near Wilmslow Road?

Hi Mode.

Link to the West Didsbury stop plan, as per below:

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/south-manchester-line/west-didsbury.pdf

The first span wire is now in place across the full width of Ashton New Road. In fact, it will probably be the only one at that point :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0496.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0495.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0502.jpg

:banana:

I just realised maintenence of street lights along these roads is going to be a pain in the future, no 5 minutes with the hopper job.

I just realised maintenence of street lights along these roads is going to be a pain in the future, no 5 minutes with the hopper job.

They will use LEDs which last far longer than bulbs, I am sure the over head cables would be isolated too if the change them at night.

I don't think it has been an issue in Langworthy on the Eccles line?

Exactly though, if they have to isolate its not a 5 minute jobbie.

I don't think it has been an issue in Langworthy on the Eccles line?

Oh yes it has!!

Its not easy to get an isolation and it will no doubt get more difficult as the amount of street track grows and more lighting needs attention.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0447.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0445.jpg

Croft Street has now re-opened with its level crossing tracks in place. It will only be a foot and cycle crossing, however, except for emergency vehicles :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0440.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0443.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0444.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0442.jpg

St Cross church in the background. :banana:

^^^ love the concrete boots in the 3rd pic down

[QUOTE=Johnny de Rivative;73631741
[/QUOTE]

Two great sets from the East Manchester Line, good to see the OLE starting.

^^^ love the concrete boots in the 3rd pic down

:lol::lol: they should leave them there, see how many notice them.:lol:

Oh yes it has!!

Its not easy to get an isolation and it will no doubt get more difficult as the amount of street track grows and more lighting needs attention.

There's been a lot of problems with the street lighting on Eccles New Road, although they have sorted now. For years all the street lights would go out for days on end and intermittantly too. It was aparently something to do with metrolink but they couldn't find the problem untill they discovered it was something to do with the lit bollards in the centre of the road. They have been replaced with the reflective kind and the problem has gone. Not sure why it was metrolink related but maybe something to do with they way it was all built originally?

Well either they were tripping the breakers by drawing too much or they were prone to induced currents from the overheads causing over voltage problems.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0447.jpg

There will be some squealing from the trams on that corner!

Cheers Wydna, it's actually about 110 degrees, the camera angle makes it look tighter. But there will be some tight corners on Phase 3 - Rochdale Smith Street springs to mind, less than 90 degrees!

The above shot is where the line crosses the Ashton Canal. Off camera to the right they are getting another bridge ready - the footbridge from the Velopark/BMX Drome to their eponymous tram stop. It's the blue arched stucture in this next shot, waiting to be hoist over the canal. All it needs now is a couple of Archbishopric! :cucumber::cucumber: :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0557.jpg

A few extra shots along East Manchester - Droylsden. Apologies for any repetition, hope no-one minds :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0556.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0554.jpg

A better shot of the pedestrian/cycle crossing at Croft Street :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0566.jpg

from Side Street :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0562.jpg

Canalside :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0572.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0553.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0560.jpg

Edge Lane :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0552.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0575.jpg

Droylsden :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0526.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0529.jpg

Great pics, as always Johnboy!

I agree, especially like the last one with the rails coming over the horizon :)

Just one from me.

Caught my eye as I wondered down from Rochdale station to the centre of town.

History repeats itself in Rochdale

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/DSC01160.jpg?t=1299273738

If you can make out, first set of lines sticking out in the distance. The nearest set of lines are already missing one rail nearest to the camera.

Oh yeah one last thing to add...

We will need to carry out work at the Sheffield Street tunnel/ arches outside our usual hours of construction. This work is critical to program deadlines and can only be done while the existing tram line is closed for safety purposes.

Extended work will take place nightly from 7th March until 31st March from 22:00 until 06:00 for the installation of OHLE bases & poles. All generator equipment will be silenced and all lighting will be directed away from residential property and equipment switched off when not in direct use.

Also, from Sunday 6th March to Mon 7th March there will be 27hrs continuous works from 00:01 Sunday to 06:00 Monday for Installation of rail connection and Overhead line equipment.

Its all go! Does anybody actually live anywhere near Sheffield Street come to think of it? Bit of a Ghost town. So from Sunday onwards the Piccadilly Branch will growing somewhat.

Thank you for the update. If work is being done to render the line beyond the undercroft live, does that mean that the track in the undercroft itself will not be replaced prior to the Droylsden line becoming operational?

I suspect not Fjs. The physical connection of the rails is going to happen during that 27 hour job. Then it would appear they will be working over the month to put the wires up and what not. Perhaps then they will remove the diamond cross over?

Its interesting to see what will happen in regards to the existing track work at Piccadilly, maybe they will keep it for extra flexibility although with only one tram in three terminating at Piccadilly they probably wont need to.

Also added to that, the cross over is controlled by the signalman at Queens Road rather than the actual trams (as happens currently in the city centre), as is the cross over at Bury, the sidings at Victoria, the Queens Road depot connection, the Eccles Line junction and the turn back at Timperley on the south side are others. All these will have to be changed to the new tram operating system, with I guess the eventual closure of Queens Road Control room as far as controlling the actual trams is concerned.

Thank you.

They could be doing some bit by bit replacement of rails in the undercroft overnight but the layout doesnt look to be changing.

\The bit they really need to get to grips with are the curves at Deansgate/ Castlefield. They don't ever seem to have been right and although they are tight curves they aren't as tight as some on the system that the trams seem to be able to corner much faster and without the grinding. Is it becasue the curves aren't canted enough?

So then Eccles-liners.

How has the MC TOS spur being going in recent weeks?

Are we thinking that the 6hr operation is becoming more reliable?

Also, are we expecting that around the same time as the Chorlton line opening that the Cornbrook / MC service will commence seperately from the Eccles service?

\The bit they really need to get to grips with are the curves at Deansgate/ Castlefield. They don't ever seem to have been right and although they are tight curves they aren't as tight as some on the system that the trams seem to be able to corner much faster and without the grinding. Is it becasue the curves aren't canted enough?

That speed restrictions only been there about a year and half, they used to shoot round that corner throwing you about and making an awful screeching.

So then Eccles-liners.

How has the MC TOS spur being going in recent weeks?

Are we thinking that the 6hr operation is becoming more reliable?

Also, are we expecting that around the same time as the Chorlton line opening that the Cornbrook / MC service will commence seperately from the Eccles service?

Yes, it is very reliable nowadays. I haven't been made to wait more than two minutes at Broadway for a considerable few months.

The only time it did cock up was last weekend, when the tram I was on skipped MC altogether. But that was simply because of a failed vehicle which caused about five trams on the Eccles line to be bunched together.

All-in-all, in my experience, TOS at MediaCity is working brilliantly now (unless I have simply been very lucky!). Not sure about the Cornbrook shuttle though. They may wait until the BBC folks start properly moving in, whenever that is supposed to be.

Soome of the beeb starting to moving in relatively soon. Tony Livsey already there.

Given we have the trams available I would hope that pretty soon after the Chorlton line opens the MC/Cornbrook shuttle starts. Be good to have it up and running asap to ensure it works fine. Like the current MC service it only needs to operate 10am to 4pm or similar really.

May, so not long off

Do we think that the BBC moving in actually is determining the timescales?

I personally doubt it. Surely it's a case of it'll be ready when it's ready?

Yes, the BBC's moving is the centre of the timescale from the Bridge opening, tram service, new bus service all timed to coincide.

Soome of the beeb starting to moving in relatively soon. Tony Livsey already there.

Surely he's still at New Broadcasting House on Oxford Road?

They could be doing some bit by bit replacement of rails in the undercroft overnight but the layout doesnt look to be changing.

they are changing the rail crossover around and removing the buffer stops

Surely he's still at New Broadcasting House on Oxford Road?

Think his 5Live radio show is the only production going on at MC so far.

Could well be wrong though, I did read it on here :D

Edit - Guardian does suggest that it was /is the first to move.

they are changing the rail crossover around and removing the buffer stops

During this series of works I meant, would take a longer blockade to change the layout.

That speed restrictions only been there about a year and half, they used to shoot round that corner throwing you about and making an awful screeching.

Might be wrong, but wasn't it introduced following the derailment on the crossover when trams were terminating at St Peter's Square during the City Centre upgrades?

Was a reason for that derailment ever made clear?

Might be wrong, but wasn't it introduced following the derailment on the crossover when trams were terminating at St Peter's Square during the City Centre upgrades?

Was a reason for that derailment ever made clear?

There has always been a 10mph restriction on there but the current state of both curves is such as to merit a 5mph. That tack has never been right and corrugates severely as well as being very difficult to maintain to gauge.

Went up the MC for first time today. Operation is indeed now very slick.

PIDs acurate for inbound and outbound, Piccadilly trams accurate from 17mins out (I actually think it is as the tram leave MC to Eccles it joins the board as it will be back in 17mins).

Sure the curve at Gmex used to be 20mph in both directions - although admitedly that was a good few years ago.

Sure the curve at Gmex used to be 20mph in both directions - although admitedly that was a good few years ago.


Sorry, I was wrong, just checked my info and it was built with a 20mph speed on it. it must be that there has been a restriction of some form or another for so long that I thought it was always there.

I used to work in Altrincham and travelled over there a lot in the early years of Metrolink, which is why I was sure it was faster than 10mph. I also think the speed of the underpass at Cornbrook used to be 30mph, but this is now down to 20mph. Wonder if reducing speeds and speed restrictions will have an effect on the number of trams needing to travel through the section when the South Manchester line comes on stream.

I would hope that pretty soon after the Chorlton line opens the MC/Cornbrook shuttle starts. Be good to have it up and running asap to ensure it works fine. Like the current MC service it only needs to operate 10am to 4pm or similar really.

I think it needs to be full time or not at all. Last Wednesday at 1630 there were a number of elderly people waiting at MC, having left the Lowry Theatre at Matinee throwing-out time, presumably having arrived earlier by Metrolink and not realising that was yer lot until tomorrow! Similarly at 2230 ish there is a demand, especially on a wet Wednesday night in Octember . . .

Went up the MC for first time today. Operation is indeed now very slick.

PIDs acurate for inbound and outbound, Piccadilly trams accurate from 17mins out (I actually think it is as the tram leave MC to Eccles it joins the board as it will be back in 17mins).

Yes as I have poested before PIDS are now "in sync" as to arrivals & depts

I think it needs to be full time or not at all. Last Wednesday at 1630 there were a number of elderly people waiting at MC, having left the Lowry Theatre at Matinee throwing-out time, presumably having arrived earlier by Metrolink and not realising that was yer lot until tomorrow! Similarly at 2230 ish there is a demand, especially on a wet Wednesday night in Octember . . .

I am in complete agreement..the last tram has to be convenient for people leaving the theatre, as I have said before this is not soley about MC residents but people visitings the Mall,Theatre, and eating places..Metrolink MUST review it timings, schedule, and in particular the lack of Sunday service to MC...Sunday is now now one of the busiest shopping days of the week, Metrolinik...The Lowry Mall is heaving at the weekends, give your customers what they want...a SUNDAY SERVICE!!!

Had another walk over Ashton Moss this morning and took a few pictures of progress.

The Car Park at Ashton Moss Stop is well advanced now.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000849a.jpg

Opposite the Snipe Retail Park work has started on the track bed
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000829a.jpg

The heavy plant is now on the central reservation opposite Office Depot.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000836a.jpg

Track bed excavations are now ongoing along the centre reservation between Ashton Moss stop and the M60.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000837a.jpg

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000845a.jpg

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000843a.jpg

Wow. Thanks for the update Freel, They're really cracking on to A-u-L. Where's the YouTube viral promo with Queens 'Don't stop me now' as the soundtrack!

Now if only Metrolink was actually operated in the same manner.... ;)

I notice that the black bin bags are off the TOS signalling in the third track between Cornbrook and DC. Hopefully a good sign.

I am in complete agreement..the last tram has to be convenient for people leaving the theatre, as I have said before this is not soley about MC residents but people visitings the Mall,Theatre, and eating places..Metrolink MUST review it timings, schedule, and in particular the lack of Sunday service to MC...Sunday is now now one of the busiest shopping days of the week, Metrolinik...The Lowry Mall is heaving at the weekends, give your customers what they want...a SUNDAY SERVICE!!!
Won't that be sorted out once the Cornbrook shuttle starts?

Won't that be sorted out once the Cornbrook shuttle starts?

Not sure as I cant remember what the full operating schedule will be eventuallly...fingers crossed though.

Interesting news from the 'Britishtramsonline' website

With the delivery of 3028 to Queens Road Depot, the M5000s have become the largest fleet of vehicles in the fleet surpassing the T68s of which there are 26. 3028 is undergoing commissioning works (as is 3027) and is actually the 27th M5000 in Manchester as 3001 remains in Vienna undergoing repair works. The current situation of the M5000s is: 3001 and 3002 out of service undergoing repairs, 3003-3013 available for service at Queens Road, 3014-3017 and 3019-3026 stored at Old Trafford Depot awaiting commissioning of the Tram Operating System, 3018 stored at Queens Road and 3027 and 3028 undergoing commissioning at Queens Road.

http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news.html

Not sure as I cant remember what the full operating schedule will be eventuallly...fingers crossed though.

I think the final plan is for so called 'peak' services to to MC to be the 12 minute interval Cornbrook Shuttle and off peak services to be the Piccadilly Eccles via MC 12 minute service.

Sale Water Park / Jackons Boat

Taken today, only off a phone camera:

Looking towards the M60. Land cleared behind Jacksons Boat
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011097-800.jpg

Site of the Mersey bridge; land clearing all the way to Hardy Lane
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011098-800.jpg

(digital) close up towards Hardy Lane
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011099-800.jpg

Site of the bridge
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011100-800.jpg

Next to M60 Junction 6 all the trees and large foliage are gone
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011101-800.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011102-800.jpg

Towards Jacksons Boat the land is being cleared right next to the road (in the next photo the gap between the far trees is as seen above, behind the pub)
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011103-800.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011104-800.jpg

However, a little further up the M60 the route (between the fences) is still untouched
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011105-800.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011106-800.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i322/privateme71/Metrolink%20Airport%20work/06032011107-800.jpg
Note in that last photo the motorway widening (when the route path was laid) included trees being planted right on the very land about to be dug up...

So what about today's work at Piccadilly? Did anyone manage to go down there and get some snaps?

So what about today's work at Piccadilly? Did anyone manage to go down there and get some snaps?

Why was the stop closed today again?

Some great photography this weekend boys, from far and wide! Marni, they are really motoring with the vege clearance towards the Airport - I think they want to do as much as poss before the nesting season.

Freel, on Ashton Moss did you notice whether the tracks will go right through the middle of the big roundabout? We were talking about this at the LRTA meeting last week, how great it was to see the old Pilchers years ago, taking a short cut between the other circulating traffic - I wondered whether it will happen again on the Moss. I guess the entering and leaving signals would have to be synchronised, unless there is room for a double to pause within the roundabout. On balance, however, I suppose they may remodel the junction.

Here's a few more snaps taken around and about today, just to push out the geographical spread a bit more! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0582.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0585.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0588.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0590.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0592.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0593.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_0596.jpg

Oh the Deadwood stage is coming on over the hill . . .

I just had a weird thought. The displays on the M5000s can display 'Altrincham' with only a little space at each end. How do they plan to fit "Manchester Airport' or "Shaw & Crompton" on them? Sure, they could put "M'cr Airport" or "Shaw" on them but it seems a tad disappointing considering that the M5000's were bought for these extensions :/

The same way they fit 'Deansgate Castlefield' on the internal blinds and shortened versions on the outide I'd guess.

They are standard blinds, think how bad it is in Germany where each word seems to be a sentence.

Each tram system is guarenteed a Hauptbahnhof at least.

I would've thought the shortened versions would be 'Shaw' and 'Airport'

That's unless we get a stop at Barton Airport at any point!

I doubt a stop itself but Port Salford/Salford Red stops would be within walking distance of it :)

Some great photography this weekend boys, from far and wide! Marni, they are really motoring with the vege clearance towards the Airport - I think they want to do as much as poss before the nesting season.

Freel, on Ashton Moss did you notice whether the tracks will go right through the middle of the big roundabout? We were talking about this at the LRTA meeting last week, how great it was to see the old Pilchers years ago, taking a short cut between the other circulating traffic - I wondered whether it will happen again on the Moss. I guess the entering and leaving signals would have to be synchronised, unless there is room for a double to pause within the roundabout. On balance, however, I suppose they may remodel the junction.


So many updates right now it's great to see so much construction outside London.

The work hasn't quite got as far as that roundabout yet but the last drawing I saw about 9 months ago showed the route passing through the roundabout offset towards the northern side with what was labelled as a single traffic signalised junction. I guess that means they lights either side are synchronised or more likely there will only be one tram signal in each direction at the entry point.

When trams terminate at DC what do they have on the outside blinds?

Sale Water Park / Jackons Boat

Taken today, only off a phone camera:

included trees being planted right on the very land about to be dug up...

Nice to see a start on the Airport route, I drive along Altrincham Road every day to and from work and noticed that all the trees at Health Academy at the junction with Moor Road have gone and the site cabins were there. I must get to know this side of town better considering I work south side I still haven't fully got my bearings on this line.

The same way they fit 'Deansgate Castlefield' on the internal blinds and shortened versions on the outide I'd guess.

They are standard blinds, think how bad it is in Germany where each word seems to be a sentence.

Each tram system is guarenteed a Hauptbahnhof at least.

In Germany they abbreviate "Hauptbahnhof" to either "Hbf" or "Bf".

thought that as soon as I posted.

Likewise they reduce strasse to St.

The same will happen with our longer station names no doubt.

I just had a weird thought. The displays on the M5000s can display 'Altrincham' with only a little space at each end. How do they plan to fit "Manchester Airport' or "Shaw & Crompton" on them? Sure, they could put "M'cr Airport" or "Shaw" on them but it seems a tad disappointing considering that the M5000's were bought for these extensions :/

I don't know about anybody else bit I think the new blinds on the old trams are much better than the blinds on the new trams. There are more "dots" available and the words are clearer.

They cannot scroll a destination as it's against the disability laws but they can scroll via information, so in effect you could get "Eccles" as the top line not moving and "via mediacity" scrolling underneath. There's no way though that there is room for numbers which is a shame. So you may get "Chorlton" and scrolling underneath "St Werburghs Road" as the destination when it opens?

Was reading the other day, there are more K5000 in Colgne than buses!

I would've thought the shortened versions would be 'Shaw' and 'Airport'

That's unless we get a stop at Barton Airport at any point!

The buses use just "Airport" and there used to be a plane sign at the side but that's gone now as they have added "via" info on the second line.

I like the idea of symbols for stations.

Wod of cash for Citys ground.
Broken piggy bank for OT.
VW van for Chorlton.
Teenage mother for Wythenshawe.....

Been thinking about the crossover in the tunnel at the back of Piccadilly.

Sure it may not be used much to reverse terminating trams there as the siding outside would be used, but what about if there are disruptions. Say for example there was a problem between Piccadilly and Piccadilly Gardens or engineering work. They would not be able to turn Ashton trams at Piccadilly if the crossover was to be removed. If it was kept though the tram could come in, use the crossover in the tunnel and enter what is the arrival platform at the moment, then it's in the right place to go back to Ashton. What would they do if it was removed? Cancel the whole service?

I like the idea of symbols for stations.

Teenage mother for Wythenshawe.....

There already is a sign for this. It's a buggy....lol

Would they not use the cross over just east of Sheffield St and only use a single platform in Piccadilly?

Ashton is obviously most cut off from the depots, the only line that trams need to cross the city centre to reach a depot from.

[QUOTE=Wirlie G;73880169]Would they not use the cross over just east of Sheffield St and only use a single platform in Piccadilly?

Is there a crossover outside that takes trams directly from one direction to the other or only into and out of the siding from the Piccadilly end?

Not sure. But if needs arose I think it could be used to turn trams.

Is Ashton Metrolink station going to be connected and one station with the NR station?

no - they'll be 200 yards apart - Railway Station is north of Wellington Road, Metrolink will be southside.

Still no sign of any work at all on the Chorlton line, it all appears very dead now. I am quite sad as I expected the driver training to have begun by now. Everytime I look at the Chorlton line it has a ghostly feel to it.

Still no sign of any work at all on the Chorlton line, it all appears very dead now. I am quite sad as I expected the driver training to have begun by now. Everytime I look at the Chorlton line it has a ghostly feel to it.

There are still lots of orange jackets about!

There are still lots of orange jackets about!

Everytime I have looked I haven't seen any, it is probably just the times I have been looking :).

I know they are working beyond St Werboughs but I am just talking about the Trafford Bar to St Werboughs stretch.

That spring deadline is getting closer and closer.

Isn't the handover of the stations (and depot) due sometime this month?

To me the TOS signals between TB and DC seem to be looking more and more ready. They seem to be being put into the upright position one by one witht he od having the black bin bag removed.

Tell you what though. Two years after the installation of the PIDs on DR the cardboard / plywood around them is looking VERY mouldy and damp. I do hope no damage has been done to the internals in two years of dampness enclosure.

Everytime I have looked I haven't seen any, it is probably just the times I have been looking :).

I know they are working beyond St Werboughs but I am just talking about the Trafford Bar to St Werboughs stretch.

That spring deadline is getting closer and closer.

I'm talking about Chorlton station, I don't get much further afield at the moment.
That includes a few today who were obviously not working but waiting.

Notice when going passed this evening Sale Rd pavement near to Kerscott Rd is being dug up, presumably utilities being shifted?

Was probably a bit of a daft idea to fit the PIDs when they did, were they originaly supposed to work without TOS or was TOS supposed to be working sooner than it did?

The last word I heared on TOS was it is still full of bugs and not ready, has this changed?

Don't want to sound negative just looking forward to Chorlton being full of Bananas.

Was probably a bit of a daft idea to fit the PIDs when they did, were they originaly supposed to work without TOS or was TOS supposed to be working sooner than it did?



The new pids need the TOS in order to work.

I'd imagine given how much work was going on with the Alty line stations the economies of scale were there to include the work in the refurb project. Would have known at the time they'd not be used for years.

Was probably a bit of a daft idea to fit the PIDs when they did, were they originaly supposed to work without TOS or was TOS supposed to be working sooner than it did?

The last word I heared on TOS was it is still full of bugs and not ready, has this changed?

Don't want to sound negative just looking forward to Chorlton being full of Bananas.

They were installed during Altrincham line refurbishment as part of the contract to generally improve stations and relay track, I dont know if they imagined the gap between installation and use would be as large as it was but they had no reason to think otherwise.

Stop or Station? to me they are stops...tram station doesn`t sound right, tram stop does.

Still no sign of any work at all on the Chorlton line, it all appears very dead now. I am quite sad as I expected the driver training to have begun by now. Everytime I look at the Chorlton line it has a ghostly feel to it.

Was thinking exactly the same Joy. I live just by St Werburghs station, it does seem like a ghost line now. I have a glance back as I drive to work every morning and haven't seen any orange dudes for ages.

So let me get this straight:

The Chorlton line can only start being used properly, once TOS is working between Trafford Bar and Deansgate Castlefield. This is because TOS is already in action from Deansgate Castlefield through the city centre.

They don't need to have TOS working on the whole Altrincham line first in order for Chorlton to become active.

Am I right?

And is the reason that there is no testing on the Chorlton line at the moment, that they know TOS will take a while to sort out, so there's no point testing right now..?

Stop or Station? to me they are stops...tram station doesn`t sound right, tram stop does.

But they're not really trams are they?
They're light railways.

Given that we heard that the stations will only be handed over in March it may be that they won't start testing until the stations are handed over.

You don't want to have your station builder missing targets because you've been running trains along the track.

Wouldn't surprise me if testing cannot start in any big way until all the infrastructure has been handed over.

I see... so the testing previously seen was probably just to test
a) the power supply for a double tram and
b) tram clearance between vehicles and platforms...?

Probably, but as my signature suggests, I really don't know.

Was thinking exactly the same Joy. I live just by St Werburghs station, it does seem like a ghost line now. I have a glance back as I drive to work every morning and haven't seen any orange dudes for ages.

So let me get this straight:

The Chorlton line can only start being used properly, once TOS is working between Trafford Bar and Deansgate Castlefield. This is because TOS is already in action from Deansgate Castlefield through the city centre.

They don't need to have TOS working on the whole Altrincham line first in order for Chorlton to become active.

Am I right?

And is the reason that there is no testing on the Chorlton line at the moment, that they know TOS will take a while to sort out, so there's no point testing right now..?

Basically yes. The junction at Trafford Bar was always intended to be TOS controlled and has no true signalling interlocking. The same is true of the Oldham Line connection at Irk Valley on the Bury Line. The trams higher numbered than 3013 don't have the old style signalling equipment fitted and so are not fully compatible with the existing signals or the City Centre Line of Sight equipment which is different than TOS. As far as I know TOS isn't fully implemented anywhere except the Eccles/MediaCity Line to Pomona.

All this means that the line to St Werburghs can only be used once Victoria/Piccadilly to Old Trafford has been converted to TOS. If as most of us seem to believe the South Manchester and Central Park sections are intended to operate as a though service then Victoria to Queens Raod also needs to be done.

Not sure about the last bit though. I would have thought that it would be feasible to get some driver familiarisation done to a limited amount between Old Trafford Depot and St Werburghs using the entrance of the South Manchester Line. Maybe it's just not worth the hassle or more likely it won't be handed over until the TOS system is up and running.

MEN reporting cenetaph to move to make way for news tram line.

Expect a right old stink.

Manchester's cenotaph is set to be dug up and moved to make way for a new tram line.

Town hall chiefs want to move the 87-year-old monument – which commemorates the city’s thousands of war dead – from its home in historic St Peter’s Square.

The move would allow a second city-centre tram line to be built as part of the ‘Big Bang’ Metrolink expansion, to run alongside the existing route through the square.

The cenotaph would be moved to an area between the Peace Gardens and the town hall. Council bosses are confident they have the support of veterans’ groups and church leaders.

They say the move could be completed quickly enough to ensure traditional Remembrance Day ceremonies are not disrupted. The plans are to be rubber-stamped by the town hall next week, before going out to public consultation. A final decision will be made in the summer.

The new tram line, from Victoria to Manchester Central, was originally earmarked to run through Albert Square and Mount Street.

That route has now fallen out of favour because it would create an ‘island’ around the Midland Hotel and need new platforms outside the town hall.

Instead, the plan is to run the line up Cross Street and Princess Street before turning into St Peter’s Square.

The cenotaph would be moved to a nearby site between the Peace Gardens and the town hall. Council chiefs say the location would ‘create a strong civic focus for a hugely important asset, create the opportunity for quiet contemplation and very strong views of the cenotaph all round the square’.

The cross monument next to the cenotaph - which marks the site of the former St Peter’s Church – would be unaffected.

The Royal British Legion is still to consult its members about the plan but is said to be open to the idea of moving the cenotaph.

Preliminary discussions with English Heritage over the move have also taken place.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of the council, said the plans for a ‘sensitive relocation’ had come after ‘careful consultation’.

He said: "There was a strong consensus that the current site is not ideal and that there is scope to make the cenotaph more of a focal point, in a location better suited to quiet contemplation and with fewer space constraints for remembrance events.

"It was not our original intention to relocate the cenotaph.

"However, feedback we have received about the unsuitably of its current site, together with considerations relating to the Metrolink second-city crossing, made us realise we have a real opportunity to improve on its setting as part of wider improvements to St Peter’s Square.

"We absolutely recognise that the location of the cenotaph is an important issue which many people in the city will have views on and no decision will be taken without considerable public consultation."

Second City Crossing route has changed!

So are we going to get four tracks in SPS then down John Dalton Street to Cross St and onto Victoria?

Interesting change.

Why cant the new line run on the left hand side of the existing St Peter's Square line? Where the buses go now, and bin the buses off once and for all from Mosley Street, just seems silly to go with this plan considering how contentious and drawn out its going to be.

I'm guessing the existing lines will go down J Dalton St with the new tracks linking up to the existing tracks around the junction.

Does this suggest more tracks down Lower Mosley? Will the tracks only split in SPS?

So many questions.

I've mixed feelings about this in relation to the square itself, but for the metrolink this will be brilliant. St Peter's Square will become the hub of the entire network. It'll pull punters from Piccadilly Gardens and bring more life to this part of the city centre as you'll be able to catch trams from Market Street and Piccadilly (like Moseley Street station) but also 2CC.

The ridiculous scenario of having Mount Street stop 100ft away from St Peter's square was creating another opportunity to watch a tram you could have got, sail by while you're at the other station. This will already happen between Piccadilly gardens and Market Street when Moseley Street closes, PID or no PID.

This will save ££s too because it will surely negate the need for the Deansgate interchange that was planned. I don't see any need for that to go ahead if both CC links pass though St Peter's Sqaure. Plus having Deansgate as a hub was a bit flawed because it was too far to walk anywhere from it. This will make the network much more usable.

Could it also mean more savings by only having one stop in the middle of Cross Street instead of Mount Street and probably Corporation Street?

Sadly for the square itself it will mean even more tram lines disecting it. All those competition entries for redesign of the square will now be largely irrelevant. I wonder if they can still look at moving the station towards Princess Street.

This must tie in with the end of buses on Mosley St. When the city centre works were going on they functioned 'ok'ish.

With some additional planning I see no reason why buses won't be gone from the entire area very soon.

Axing buses from Moseley St will remove the need for traffic lights at Piccadilly Gardens too. Without these and the removal of Moseley St stop trams will have a clear run from Piccadilly Gardens until the traffic lights on Princess Street.

Another benefit of having St Peter's square as the main interchange is you can switch to 2CC without heading to the edge of the city centre. On the old plans you'd have to travel to Victoria or Deansgate and change, which is a very convoluted way of getting to cross street. Locals wouldn't do it but visitors might.

With an Interchange at St Peter's square it may become a quite viable route in terms of travel times (compared to metroshuttle and walking) to get a tram from Piccadilly gardens if heading to St Anne's square/Kendals area in Deansgate. It depends where the trams stops are but it makes it much more likely you could make part of your cross city centre journeys on the tram rather than on foot or bus.

[edit] moved all this to the 2CC and Future thread

GMPTE have had a strong dosage of commonsense in making the decision not to run trams across/around Albert Square.

It's for the best that the cenotaph is to be moved.

It's currently much too close to the massive and quite ugly tram stop. St Peter's Sq is going to resemble a railway station with 4 lines but hopefully fewer buses might see the closure of Piccadilly bus station and the redevelopment of the gardens.

I'm guessing the existing lines will go down J Dalton St with the new tracks linking up to the existing tracks around the junction.
Why should existing lines be affected?

PS There aren't any tracks in John Dalton St, nor will there be. The proposal clearly suggests the 2CC will leave St Peter's Square along Mosley Street, turn left on Princess Street (going wrong way against the traffic flow) then turn right into Cross Street. This is more 2CC territory, but will that mean a stop next to Albert Sq before the Cross St turn, or something in Cross St itself?

Great that Albert Square won't be ploughed through, but 3 lines in St Peters Square, with no Cenotaph as centrepiece? Forget the square proposals then. Back to the drawing board. It will be a bit busy with 3 lines won't it, like all the lines that intersect in Picc Gardens?

Why the assumption there will be four lines?

I read this that from MC/GMEX to St Peters Square will be as today. And slightly east of the SPS station, there will be a two-track flat junction which splits and veers north onto Princess Street.

I envisage the first stop being around King St/John Dalton St?, with another around the Printworks, although maybe they could do it outside Boots or M&S and cover it all?

That was what I thought at first. But why move the cenetaph (will need to learn how to spell that) if still only two tracks?

Prob so they can do a straight as an arrow track through to Mosley Street and so the Victoria trams have a more wider cornering space so as not to affect the rear of the town hall as much.

There must be more than 2 lines otherwise they wouldn't have to touch the cenotaph.

Plus the whole point of 2CC was to increase capacity as 1CC won't carry everything. Presumably there shouldn't be any line in the city centre which carries both 1CC and 2CC trams.

As I suggested on my old post from the other thread, they may have got away with one line coming into the city as if it backs up they can wait on the viaduct.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3426769

If they could get away with one extra line it would be easier to use the bus route. Plus the 2CC left turn into Princess Street would not need to cross any lines.

But as they're moving the cenotaph instead it suggests to me they are putting 4 platforms in. Unless they:

a: can't remove buses from moseley street
b: want to reclaim that road for a public square
c: are moving the station towards Elisabeth house and keeping 2 lines

Prob so they can do a straight as an arrow track through to Mosley Street and so the Victoria trams have a more wider cornering space so as not to affect the rear of the town hall as much.

Good thinking. I hope this is the reason.

It gives more space for the square too and could work with only one island platform which reduces the visual impact. The platform may have to be pretty wide though.

If this section of track can handle the capacity this would be best for me. Looking at the site the whole station (both platforms) would move onto the cenotaph site.

This would leave a pretty big public square outside the library.

There must be more than 2 lines otherwise they wouldn't have to touch the cenotaph.

Plus the whole point of 2CC was to increase capacity as 1CC won't carry everything. Presumably there shouldn't be any line in the city centre which carries both 1CC and 2CC trams.

As I suggested on my old post from the other thread, they may have got away with one line coming into the city as if it backs up they can wait on the viaduct.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3426769

If they could get away with one extra line it would be easier to use the bus route. Plus the 2CC left turn into Princess Street would not need to cross any lines.

But as they're moving the cenotaph instead it suggests to me they are putting 4 platforms in. Unless they:

a: can't remove buses from moseley street
b: want to reclaim that road for a public square
c: are moving the station towards Elisabeth house and keeping 2 lines

Hopefully, C

Surely the junction itself must be a limiting factor on capacity on the line. As such would it not make sense for 4 lines, two platforms in the square?

Both central platforms, one for all north bound and east bound trams, on platform for all south bound trams. Each platform with a track either side 1cc and 2cc.

That was what I thought at first. But why move the cenetaph (will need to learn how to spell that) if still only two tracks?

There is nothing sacrosanct about St Peters Square, no reason at all why a memorial should be stuck in the middle of a traffic island where if any use is made of it, it disrupts traffic.

If it was a memorial to Peterloo then there might be an argument for keeping it there, but it isn't, so shift it!

I actually think peace gardens is a better location. My question was more about what is planned and interest in that than opposing the move.

FWIW - the Mrs grand father was part of a group that opposed Metrolink in SPS in the 80s, they said that long term Metrolink would ensure that their monument would be overshadowed and forced to move. As usual guarentees were given and the trams went ahead.

He's dead now. But he was right 20+ years ago.

He was correct but I would argue that he wasn't right :lol:

Does go to show how much worth promises made today have though.

Not sure if it is right or wrong but something feels a tad undemocratic about it to me.

Still, the mistake may have been 20+ years ago to make such a promise.

In case anyone has forgotten, it was that campaign by the veterans that forced SPS to be a profiled platform which interfered with the cenotaph as little as possible.

Only recently were the new full length platforms agreed. Soon the process will be complete, from getting low profile platforms to moving the cenotaph, the worries of the veterans 20+ years ago have been realised in full.