TRANSPORT | Metrolink ‎Extension

[loweskid]

Originally Posted by WatcherZero

It was built in anticipation for the 2002 Commonwealth Games but the extensions didnt end up proceeding back then so it has been a completed empty station for years.

Don't think it was anything to do with the Games, it was built in 2005 (and it's a long way from the stadium). I think it was built as a showcase for the Central Park development.

[WatcherZero]

It was completed after the games but was intended to be completed for them.

[iheartthenew]

But central park is neither near sport city or even on the same line? I thought it was built for the central park development but sat empty since when Steven what's-his-face the former labour transport minister put the brakes on the big bang (along with the EML to the stadium which was intended to be ready for the games)

[WatcherZero]

Was built as a transport interchange 'Gateway' for Sport City in 2006, taking just 8 months when it was thought lines would be operating through to there as funding had been secured for phase 3 East Manchester extensions (before the Government took it away) this funding negotition had of course been ongoing since the 90's.

[traffordboy]

The pavements around CP are unlikely to be 'right of way' so just by being inthe vicinity of the stair cases, you will be on metrolink land. With regards to the comment about complaining - you have no cause to!!! Be grateful that the cameras work and are visible! The old system that was originally installed on Phase 1 only made the cameras 'live' if the Emergancy button was activated! Now all cameras are monitored on a 'Guard Tour'. CCTV is my game. I've hidden tiny, tiny cameras in trees before in the name of 'Security and Monitoring'. That I find creepy!!

[apologiesforthedelay]

Anyone been to the junction to see of they are fitting the points or just doing prep work?

[BoyamIjealous]

Originally Posted by High-Fi

Great pictures Johnny - thanks!

The test tram certainly didn't go beyond this point. Big buffers have been placed across the tracks:

Some of us like big buffers!

Originally Posted by High-Fi

So I finally headed down to the finest station on the network. After sheltering from the freezing wind for a while I took a few snaps at Central Park. The guy came over the Tannoy and warned me that I was being monitored on CCTV. I could see the little camera in the black glass bowl following me. Nothing new here but I thought I'd share anyway.

One of those Volker Twats again. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpo...ostcount=13814

Originally Posted by High-Fi

Some detailed views:

Stunning detail! Thanks.

[BoyamIjealous]

Originally Posted by r02bapurdie

Do anyone else think new Blackpool trams look better than M5000 trams?

http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=611

Horses for courses, I think. Certainly, the Flexity trams look like they should be able to handle tight turns easier than the M5000s, and if Bristol ever got its finger out, they would be a good option for here. Manchester's more extensive network (to be) needs more substantial kit. IMHO, that is.

[iheartthenew]

Originally Posted by WatcherZero

Was built as a transport interchange 'Gateway' for Sport City in 2006, taking just 8 months when it was thought lines would be operating through to there as funding had been secured for phase 3 East Manchester extensions (before the Government took it away) this funding negotition had of course been ongoing since the 90's.

I bow to your greater knowledge WZ. I did not know that

[martin2345uk]

Proper little building site at the location of the forthcoming Chorlton Brook Bridge on the Airport Line...



Anyone know what these structures are? Something to do with concrete foundations for the bridge? Or something completely different?





Also noticed they've now fenced off the Metrolink boundary in the rest of the playground of Chorlton High.. In preparation for the tram's emergence onto Mauldeth Road I guess! Still probably some Utility Diversion works to go though...

[Chorlton Bloke]

Originally Posted by martin2345uk

Proper little building site at the location of the forthcoming Chorlton Brook Bridge on the Airport Line...



Anyone know what these structures are? Something to do with concrete foundations for the bridge? Or something completely different?

Martin, I think it's pretty obvious that there isn't going to be a bridge there.
The brook has been culverted and the line will go across on an embankment.

The structures you query are trench supports.

[John07]

Originally Posted by WatcherZero

Was built as a transport interchange 'Gateway' for Sport City in 2006, taking just 8 months when it was thought lines would be operating through to there as funding had been secured for phase 3 East Manchester extensions (before the Government took it away) this funding negotition had of course been ongoing since the 90's.

I am still puzzled.

Why build a transport gateway so far away from Sports City?

It's no nearer the stadium than Piccadilly Station.

[link_road_17/7]

Originally Posted by John07

I am still puzzled.

Why build a transport gateway so far away from Sports City?

It's no nearer the stadium than Piccadilly Station.

Prior to being named Central Park, it was the snappily titled 'North East Manchester Business Park Gateway'.

Not to serve *SportCity*, but as a gateway to the wider New East Manchester Development Corporation area.

[martin2345uk]

Originally Posted by Chorlton Bloke

Martin, I think it's pretty obvious that there isn't going to be a bridge there.
The brook has been culverted and the line will go across on an embankment.

The structures you query are trench supports.

I see. So does that mean there will be a level crossing for the footpath? I guess it must do...

[Freel07]

Originally Posted by traffordboy

The pavements around CP are unlikely to be 'right of way' so just by being inthe vicinity of the stair cases, you will be on metrolink land. With regards to the comment about complaining - you have no cause to!!! Be grateful that the cameras work and are visible! The old system that was originally installed on Phase 1 only made the cameras 'live' if the Emergancy button was activated! Now all cameras are monitored on a 'Guard Tour'. CCTV is my game. I've hidden tiny, tiny cameras in trees before in the name of 'Security and Monitoring'. That I find creepy!!

I think the footways that are currently outside the fences will be public right of way whilst those inside the fencing are likely to be TfGM areas.

The original Metrolink CCTV was active 24/7 and all cameras were monitored in defined sequences. If a Help Point was activated the appropriate camera was switched to a dedicated monitor and set to record.

[Chorlton Bloke]

Originally Posted by martin2345uk

I see. So does that mean there will be a level crossing for the footpath? I guess it must do...

Yes, footpath on a level crossing! That path is more heavily used than it appears, I cut through there one evening a few weeks ago and passed about a dozen others!

Oh, including a guy who told me that the powers that be had told him that the footpath would only be closed while they laid the rails, tends to confirm an embankment rather than a bridge.

I was down there earlier on today and the line seems to have moved considerably from where it was originally planned.

[martin2345uk]

Does it? Where was it originally planned to run? I didn't think there was much room for manoeuvre down there!

[Chorlton Bloke]

Originally Posted by martin2345uk

Does it? Where was it originally planned to run? I didn't think there was much room for manoeuvre down there!

I thought the original plans showed it coming out onto Mauldeth Road by the bus stop.

[martin2345uk]

Never saw those plans, the only plans I ever saw showed it coming out a fair bit further down. Though I don't know how old the PDF plans I've got are...

[r02bapurdie]

Hi

Good picture of Airport line Martin, have anyone been on Bury line today to see if they where doing anything to line where Bury and Oldham line joins?