Metrolink Expansion: New Lines for Greater Manchester & Cheshire
- Greater Manchester's aspiring plans to expand the Metrolink tram network will likely not see new lines open until the mid-2030s, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
- the process involves developing robust business cases, securing funding, thorough community engagement, public consultations, detailed design work, and contractor procurement for construction, testing, and commissioning.
- TfGM will begin work on a 'formal strategic outline case' in autumn 2025 for three new lines connecting to Manchester Airport:
Greater Manchester metrolink Expansion: A Decade-Long Plan
Greater Manchester’s aspiring plans to expand the Metrolink tram network will likely not see new lines open until the mid-2030s, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). The organization outlined the extensive timeline required for such large-scale infrastructure projects.
“New lines and extensions are major projects,” TfGM stated. the process involves developing robust business cases, securing funding, thorough community engagement, public consultations, detailed design work, and contractor procurement for construction, testing, and commissioning. Given these complexities, the timeframe for opening any new line or extension is estimated to be around a decade.
(Image: TfGM)
Proposed new Lines
TfGM will begin work on a ‘formal strategic outline case’ in autumn 2025 for three new lines connecting to Manchester Airport:
- Stockport to Airport (tram-train), building on existing strategic outlines.
- Airport Western Leg (tram).
- Altrincham to the Airport/potential links to mid-Cheshire (tram-train).
A second phase of strategic outline case advancement,starting next summer,will focus on three lines in the north-west of Greater Manchester:
- Salford Quays to Salford Crescent (tram).
- City center to Salford Crescent (tram).
- Wigan via Atherton, Bolton options, Leigh options (tram/tram-train).
Future of Metrolink
If these lines are realized, trams will reach every borough within Greater Manchester for the first time in the Metrolink’s 33-year history.
‘Tram-trains’, which combine tram and train technology, are currently being introduced on the Heywood Metrolink extension. These vehicles utilize overhead wires on some sections and switch to battery power on others. This technology is driving the design of a “next generation” of Metrolink vehicles.
The new vehicles are projected to be 60m long, similar to existing ‘double-trams’, but with increased capacity due to a walk-through design. The planning also considers the lifespan of the current fleet of 147 M5000 trams, which are expected to be in service until the late 2030s.