Find out more about Rochdale Metrolink line

People interested in finding out more about the Metrolink extension to Rochdale will have a chance to meet GMPTE staff at a series of drop-in events starting next week.

GMPTE is extending Metrolink to Rochdale as part of a £600 million expansion of the tram network.

Construction work is already underway on the first section of the new line – from Manchester city centre to Central Park – which will open in spring 2011.

Work has now started on the sections to Rochdale, following the closure of the Oldham Loop Line. The section to Oldham Mumps will open in the autumn of 2011 and the full line, to Rochdale, will be open by spring 2012.

Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink Director, said: “People are going to start seeing a lot of activity over the coming months as we start to make real headway on the construction of the new line.

“We’re going to be building a brand new viaduct over the Rochdale railway line, refurbishing around 100 bridges and other structures, rebuilding existing stations and creating brand new ones – so there are several big projects involved.

“That’s why I think it’s important for people to come along to these drop-in events and speak to the team, so they can find out firsthand about the kind of work we’re doing, the schedule we’re working to and the way we are approaching it all.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the plans can go along to the following events. Each event will take place between 5pm and 7pm:

Newbold Baptist Church, Rochdale, Wednesday 18 November
Newhey Lodge, Huddersfield Road, Rochdale, Tuesday 24 November
Rochdale Training Association, Fishwick Street, Rochdale, Wednesday 2 December
Milnrow Cricket Club, Monday 7 December

Members of the public will be able to view plans and speak to officials from GMPTE on a one-to-one basis about the project.