
Hydrock’s geo-environmental engineers are celebrating the successful completion of the Trafford Park Metrolink line, a significant construction project for Greater Manchester’s tram network, following their critical contribution to the initial earthworks design and management.
Hydrock’s involvement in the project began back in 2017 with an appointment to provide geo-environmental assessment work to assist MPT, a consortium of Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales, with the delivery and construction of the £350m Metrolink extension from Manchester to Trafford Park.
Our Geo-environmental experts, who specialise in unlocking complex sites, delivered a remediation strategy, materials management plan and asbestos management plan, controlled waters risk assessment, and successful liaison with regulators.
Metrolink is already the UK’s largest tram network, running to a total of 96km across 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 extended line will support Manchester’s sustainability and decarbonisation targets by reducing car travel and providing greener, cleaner transport for more people.
Danny Hope, Regional Director, commented: “The opening of this new line is a proud moment for all of us involved in this ambitious project. The Trafford Park line will make such a difference to people’s lives here in Manchester and is a fantastic achievement. Geo-environmental work often paves the way for critical infrastructure projects like this, safely unlocking land for development which can play a huge part in the local and regional economy.”
The project was the first to benefit from the region’s Devolution Deal – signed by Greater Manchester leaders and central government in November 2014, with a £20 million contribution from Trafford Council – and has been delivered approximately seven months earlier than originally planned.
The Trafford Park line runs through Europe’s largest industrial estate, providing access to thousands of jobs, including global brands such as Kellogg’s and Unilever. The new stops will also provide easy access to some of the north west’s top retail and leisure destinations, including the intu Trafford Centre, Old Trafford stadium and Imperial War Museum North.
The delivery of the new line supports Greater Manchester’s progress towards a London-style transport system.
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