Manchester Metrolink ‘big bang’ expansion complete as second city tram line opens
The Metrolink ‘big-bang’ expansion is now complete after the new Second City Crossing line, through the heart of Manchester city centre, opened.
Largest in the UK
In December 2009 work began on a new tram line to East Didsbury, marking the start of a €1.75bn expansion programme that has seen the Greater Manchester Metrolink light rail network grow to three times its original size. New lines to MediaCityUK, Rochdale via Oldham, Ashton and Manchester Airport followed and, eight years later, Metrolink is now the largest light rail system in the UK.
Record-breaking
The latest 1.3km stretch of track through the city centre links together a network now some 93 stops strong, with over 96,5 kilometers of track and a record-breaking 37 million passengers a year. The new line will offer new links and more frequent trams through Manchester city centre, as well as improved service reliability and greater operational flexibility.
