Transport plans for the Manchester Area:
West Manchester

Chat Moss Link

A rail proposal for linking the Patricroft and Glazebrook lines so that trains travelling west from Patricroft can serve Glazebrook and then Warrington Central.

• Proposed in GMSRS chapter 11, where there is a map.
• This proposal would allow fast trains from Liverpool and Warrington to be re-routed to the Patricroft line, permitting a frequent suburban service between Irlam and Manchester.
• It would also allow Trans Pennine Express Trains to be routed via Victoria and to continue to serve Warrington.

Timperley-Glazebrook

The current heavy rail line from Stockport to Timperley continues to Glazebrook, although not used for passenger services. I don't know if it is currently used for freight.

• The GMSRS report suggests increasing/re-instating the use of this line for freight, with an east facing curve at Glazebrook to allow access to the freight terminal in Trafford Park.

Trafford Centre

A new Metrolink line branching from the Eccles line after Pomona and serving the Imperial War Museum, Manchester United football stadium, Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre. No public money is available for this line.

• Map in GMPTE library.
• Also described in LRTA Manchester Metrolink section.
• An option in the Phase 3 Single Contract Extentions.

The Lowry

A new Metrolink stub line branching from the Eccles line at Broadway and serving the Lowry.

• Map in GMPTE library.
• Also described in LRTA Manchester Metrolink section.
• An optional part of the Phase 3 Single Contract Extentions.

Wigan

Proposal to convert the Wigan-Atherton-Salford Crescent line to tram-train operation.

• Proposed in GMSRS chapter 11, where there is a map.
• The report recommends that the Wigan-Atherton-Salford Crescent line should concentrate on a frequent suburban service, while the Wigan-Westhoughton-Bolton-Salford Crescent line should be used for fast trains.
• It goes on to suggest that the line could continue from Salford Crescent into the city centre on a new alignment and then to East Didsbury.

Second depot

The Phase 3 Metrolink extensions require additional depot capacity. Part of the Phase 3 contract includes building a depot near Old Trafford station.

• Described in GMPTE library.
• Also described in LRTA Manchester Metrolink section.
• A part of the Phase 3 Single Contract Extentions.
• The winner from a shortlist of tenders is expected to be announced in Autumn 2003.

Leigh Guided Busway

As part of the Leigh-Salford Quality Bus Route part of a disused railway will be converted to a guided busway.

• Described in the GMPTE library in the Consultation section, where there is a map.
• GMPTE Press Release, January 2002: "GMPTE has decided to formally apply to the Government for powers to build the Leigh Guided Busway. The 'Transport and Works Act' application will be made on 31 January 2002. It is anticipated that the Public Inquiry arising from the application for the project could begin in September of this year. Following the Public Inquiry, the Inspector will make a report to the Secretary of State, who will decide whether the scheme gets the go ahead."

Leigh-Salford Quality Bus Route

This committed quality bus route will include a segregated guided busway and on-road bus priority measures.

• Described in the GMPTE library in the Consultation section, where there is a map. See also GMPTE description.

Planned Quality Bus Routes

Plans for strategic bus corridors increasing the quality of the bus experience using diverse measures.

Proposed Quality Bus Routes

Proposals for strategic bus corridors increasing the quality of the bus experience using diverse measures.

M60 J5-8 Widening

A committed scheme to widen the M60 to 4 lanes in each direction between junctions 5 and 8.