Home | Metrolink Introduction | Metrolink beyond phase 3b: created 10 March 2010 | pages list
A referendum in December 2008 rejected the TIF bid proposals. In May 2009 the new Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals were announced, these are covered in the line pages.
Other proposals beyond TIF bid were the Wythenshawe loop on the Airport line, see below; also a proposed extension to Stockport which requires Transport & Works Act approval and funding.
The Trafford Centre line, described below, was included in the TIF bid but now has no funding.
Chorlton to Manchester Airport and Wythenshawe loop
Phase 3a, confirmed extension, to Chorlton is shown in purple. The Airport and Didsbury extensions are shown in orange, they will be built with the new Greater Manchester Transport Fund. Main line railways are shown blue. Definite stops are shown as filled circles whereas possible stops are shown unfilled.
Originally the line’s route was from Roundthorn including stops at Wythenshawe Hospital, Newall Green and Davenport Green and the Airport. Wythenshawe town centre loop was added to the original proposal following further investigation and public consultation by the GMPTE.
Shown in grey, the western side of the loop was dropped from the Metrolink Phase 3 proposals, see News 28 July 2005: Eastern option agreed for South Manchester and Airport Line.
GMPTE will retain and protect powers for this section. It will require further funding beyond the Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals.
As part of a major new Ground Transport Interchange a 75 metre tunnel section under the Airport access road was completed in 2002.
Pomona to Trafford Centre
There are powers to build the Trafford Centre line, shown in red. Until the TIF bid proposals were made, total private sector funding was required; it was then included in included in the TIF bid. This line now requires funding, beyond the Greater Manchester Transport Fund proposals. Wharfside and Manchester United stops were shown as possible stops, the others as definite stops. Outline Planning Permission for all these stops was renewed by Trafford MBC in June 2008.
Leaving Pomona the route wold have continued straight ahead and then descended to ground level. A former dock railway segregated alignment, which crosses under Trafford Road and is fenced off from the existing footpathwould have been used. Wharfside stop wold have been on this former railway land alongside the Manchester Ship Canal.
The route wold have crossed Trafford Wharf Road to a reserved way behind the hotel and then turned onto a disused part of the former Trafford Park Road. After crossing Waters Reach most of the route wold have been alongside roads but segregated from road traffic.
The Manchester United stop wold have been here on land at Trafford Park Road / Wharfside Way opposite M.U.F.C. coach Park. Then the Imperial War Museum North stop wold have been at Elevator Road.
Further on the route wold have crossed Village Circle and run along the north side of Village Way turning into Third Avenue. Village stop wold have been on Third Avenue. At the southern end of Third Avenue the route wold have turned into Westinghouse Road. An alternative route in the TIF Proposals would have continued along Village Way rejoining the authorised route, just after Parkway stop, near Parkway Circle.
Mosley Road stop wold have been on land at Westinghouse Road, west of junction with Mosley Road, Trafford Park. The route wold have then continued along Westinghouse Road.
Parkway stop wold have been on land at Westinghouse Road and Parkway. The route wold have then crossed the Bridgewater Canal.
Giants Field stop wold have been on land adjacent to Costco car park north of Barton Dock Road, Urmston.
The terminal stop wold have been at the upper level of The Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road, Urmston.
A modified route with stops at Manchester United, Imperial War Museum North, Village, Parkway Circle, Lostock Parkway and Trafford Centre may now be possible; subject to funding.
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This page was written by Tony Williams, Manchester Area Officer, Light Rail Transit Association. Contact manwebm@lrta.org if you have any comments, ideas or suggestions about these pages.