TramForward congratulates Transport for Greater Manchester on the opening of Manchester Metrolink's new line through Trafford Park to the Trafford Centre 7 months early following handover of the line to operator KeolisAmey Metrolink. The Trafford Park line was first suggested to Trafford Council by a local LRTA member in 1984, and the Council has contributed £20m towards the construction of the line.
 
Tens of thousands of people visit Trafford Park for work and leisure, and the line has been opened as promised to enable workers to reach their jobs more easily during the Covid19 pandemic. Trafford Park trams are terminating at Cornbrook until sufficient trams are available for them to run as planned through the city centre to Crumpsall.
 
Metrolink is already the UK’s largest tram network, running to a total of 96km and 93 stops. The new Trafford Park line will add a further 5.5km of track and six additional stops, bringing the total to 99.
 
The Trafford Park line runs through Europe’s largest industrial estate, providing access to thousands of jobs, including global brands such as Kellogg’s, Unilever, Missguided, L’Oreal and Adidas. The new stops will also provide easy access to some of the North West’s top retail and leisure destinations, including intu Trafford Centre, Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North., and in the future a £250m indoor tropical spa on the site of Event City.
 
Paul Rowen, Chair of the Light Rail Transit Association, said: “Once again ahead of time and below budget. Well done to the team. Metrolink continues to go from strength to strength.”