17
Jan
NEW TRAMWAY FOR ROCHDALE
A huge steel viaduct which will carry trams to and from Rochdale
railway station has been moved into place.
The 400 tonne structure will carry trams over the
Manchester-Leeds railway when trams start running next year.
The 52 metre long viaduct was moved into place over the New Year
weekend by using more than 5,000 bolts and a 1,000 tonne super
lift.
Manchester City Council councillor Ian Macdonald, chairman of
Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), said:
"The viaduct is one of the largest new structures on the Metrolink
extensions, and is a vital part of ongoing work to bring a new
Metrolink line from Manchester into the heart of Rochdale.
"This line is one of five major Metrolink expansions, which is
aimed at improving accessibility by providing residents and
visitors with even better public transport links across the
region."
Contractors MPact-Thales (MPT) are building the new Metrolink
lines and will maintain them once complete.
MPT Senior Engineer, Rob Salmon said: "We have been planning the
lifting operation for the past 18 months, so to see the bridge
lifted successfully into place made for a satisfying new year.
"It was only made possible by the hard work of the whole team in
the run up to and during the possession and I would like to thank
all involved."
Positioned just east of Rochdale station the bridge is part of
the new Metrolink track that will run from Manchester city centre
to Oldham and Rochdale.
It will open from Rochdale railway station next year and from
Rochdale town centre in 2014.
There will be further work throughout January and February to
complete the viaduct.