Testing phase begins on Metrolink’s Second City Crossing

Overhead power lines transporting Metrolink trams to Manchester’s Exchange Square stop have been switched on marking the first stage of testing on the Second City Crossing.

With the first phase of Metrolink’s Second city crossing due to open towards the run up to Christmas, the new five metre high overhead lines carrying a direct current of 750 volts have gone live marking the start of testing and commissioning.

Residents and local businesses have been given advise about the work to energise and commission the overhead line equipment from Manchester Victoria Station along Corporation Street to the new stop in Exchange Square and through to Market Street/St Mary’s Gate.

“This is the first stage of an extensive testing and commissioning process”

Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “This is the first stage of an extensive testing and commissioning process to make sure the physical infrastructure is ready for passenger services in the run up to Christmas.

“We’re writing to local residents and businesses to make sure they understand how to live and work safely alongside the new tram route, as they do in other parts of the city centre already.

“Once this work has been carried out and we’ve completed finishing works at the stop, we’ll be able to run test trams in advance of passenger services opening before Christmas.”

The first phase of the Second City Crossing line, from Manchester Victoria through to the new Exchange Square tram stop, is being fast-tracked thanks to a major European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant.

The full Second City Crossing line is due to open 2017. It will start on Lower Mosley Street and run through St Peter’s Square, down Princess Street, along Cross Street and Corporation Street and into Manchester Victoria Station.

Further information on Metrolink’s Second City Crossing can be found here.