Metrolink
 

The Metrolink scheme in Greater Manchester has just been given the go ahead for an £820 million expansion. It still won't reach as far as the airport or Ashton, but it'll be branching out in different directions, like Rochdale. Just thought it might be of interest to those of you are into light rail systems.

Didn't really see much point of the airport link, since there is a Manchester Airport line anywat.

There's a few towns of a reasonable size that are connected to metrolink but not to the rail network, such as Prestwich or Bury. It would prove useful to them, but I don't think it would justify the costs to be honest.

The Metrolink has had problems running for the last two Saturdays. Last week, major power cuts left large parts of North Manchester in the dark, and the Metrolink system between Bury and Whitefield was without power (as was the East Lancs, including Bury South signal box, leading to pilot men having to be used). And in the early hours of yesterday morning vandals cut through cables controlling the signalling, paralysing the system from Victoria to Bury until mid-afternoon.

On a more positive note, track laying has now begun between Bury and Victoria. This means that all services over that stretch are being replaced by buses on Sundays.

Adam

Glad I went on my railway trip on the Sunday that I did two weeks ago, would have had problems using the metrolink now.

I wonder if they were vandals or thieves that were disturbed before they could strip out the cable. I believe that the price of copper has gone through the roof recently.

About time too:D The trackwork in places is terrible and the Manchester - Altrincham section isn't much better.

The track relaying programme is about to start soon. From the 29th of May there will be no service between Radcliffe and Bury. To my understanding a replacement bus service is planned. As time goes on more sectios will be shut, I shall post information about this closer to the time.

Adam

Hello All This link is about the metro line to Rochdale.
Alan Locojoe.

http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/ne...link_line.html


http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/ne...link_line.html