Manchester Metrolink Airport Line named <br> Major Civil Engineering Project of the Year
MPT, the consortium delivering the Greater Manchester Metrolink’s expansion, scooped the award for Major Civil Engineering Project of the Year (over €68m) at the prestigious British Construction Industry Awards. The MPT consortium, formed of VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke and Thales delivered the 14.5km route from St. Werburghs Road, Chorlton to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe more than 12 months ahead of schedule.<div class="js-off">This site uses JavaScript and / or cookies. Your browser does not support cookies and / or JavaScript or it is disabled. This will prevent you from using some features of the website</div> //
"Exemplary example"
The judges described the project as “an exemplary example of transport infrastructure delivery”. The award recognised the collaborative approach that was taken engaging the client, suppliers, key stakeholders and the local communities. Staff volunteering in community projects helped raise €102.000 for local charities.
The new line has resulted in a number of positive impacts on the local area. The re-construction of the urban area along the whole route has allowed for the re-modelling of Wythenshawe Town Centre. The creation of 15 new fully accessible tram stops has made it easier for the growing population to access South Manchester and the surrounding area.
Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year
The project included a 300-space Park and Ride facility at Sale Water Park stop, and two 580-tonne motorway bridges, the 337m-long viaduct over the Mersey Valley and the remodelling of 28 highway junctions. The line is exceeding passenger targets by 20% and is delivering economic regeneration and employment opportunities to a number of deprived communities. The Manchester Airport line also won the ‘Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year’ award, at the recent National Rail Awards and was named Project of the Year in the projects over €50m category at the Light Rail Awards.