Council approves new Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre

Trafford Council has announced that the proposed Metrolink line to the Trafford Centre will go ahead, with heavy backing from Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Mayor.   

Despite concerns expressed by Manchester United and the makers of Coronation Street, the new route, starting at Eccles line stop Pomona and terminating at Port Salford, was given the go-ahead by Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, with work possibly starting by the end of the year, and ending in 2020.

After having studied the plans, Manchester United became concerned of possible dangers to the many football fans entering and leaving Old Trafford stadium, due to many road layouts around the area being changed. They said that the new route would put fans 'in direct conflict with road users and create a series of ‘blind’ bends.'  When asked for his comments on this particular issue, leader of Trafford Council, Sean Anstee, responded: “The issues raised by Manchester United have been resolved and Transport for Greater Manchester have been working closely with the Club to ensure their concerns were addressed.”                 

Coronation Street producers were also unsatisfied, due to the threat of tram noises and vibrations possibly being heard during filming. The proposal of an alternative route which would not affect the Coronation Street set was rejected. “We are disappointed that the Secretary of State has given the green light for the new Trafford Park tram route despite the fact there was a viable approved alternative route,” an ITV spokesperson said. “The order includes a number of specific planning conditions intended to address our concerns which we will now study in detail."

The construction of the new route will undoubtedly cause disruption, but many believe it will be of great benefit to Manchester residents in the long term, and will ease traffic congestion, particularly for those travelling to the Trafford Centre and Salford City Stadium.