Delays in extending Manchester’s Metrolink tram system from Salford Quays to the Trafford Centre has prompted Peel Holdings to plan the construction of a railway link between the Trafford Centre and Piccadilly Station.
The Trafford Centre will fund the project which will make use of the existing Manchester Piccadily to Warrington line owned by Railtrack. The line currently terminates within a few yards of the Trafford Centre’s perimeter, claims the company.
A Trafford Centre spokesman: “We just don’t know when the Metrolink will be ready and even if they got a decision to go ahead tomorrow, it will take two years to complete it. We’ve been forced to take this step.”
He added: “We would prefer an electrified link but there are some problems with the height of bridges so it could be diesel. Its cost will be between £1m and £2m.”
The spokesman confirmed that the rail link will be ready for the Trafford Centre’s opening in September 1998.
Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has confirmed that a decsion on whether the city’s Metrolink will go through Trafford Centre will be made next Friday.
EGi News 28/07/97
