Engineers race against time to complete tram updates

Engineers are racing to refurbish ageing Metrolink trams in time for the start of the Rochdale service.

They are expected to begin services between Victoria and Central Park in Newton Heath next spring and reach Rochdale, Shaw, Hollinwood, South Chadderton, Freehold, Werneth, Mumps and Derker on the converted Rochdale/Oldham Loop line in the autumn.

Although 40 new trams are beginning to arrive from Austria, the familiar Italian-built vehicles which have operated on the network since it opened in 1992 will also be needed and they are being gradually modernised.

They are getting new speed probes, new motor cooling air intake cowlings, new compressors, a motor modification to inverter fans, cab heaters, rear view CCTV, and reconditioned electronic systems.

But because there are so few trams in the fleet, engineers have to replace the old ones in service with new ones before they can take them into the depot for the modifications.

Crompton councillor John Dillon told the last meeting of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority before the election: “There is some concern that the refurbishment of the old trams has not yet been signed off.

“As the time for the start of service to Oldham and Rochdale gets closer, the window of opportunity we have is getting narrower and narrower.

Councillor Dillon, a member of the authority’s Rail and Metrolink committee, added: “There was genuine concern at the last meeting that this work can be done.”

Converting the Loop line to Metrolink operations involves replacing nearly all the track along the line, demolishing the old railway stations to build new Metrolink stops and upgrading or replacing infrastructure along the route.

At Rochdale, a new viaduct is being built to take the tram over the existing Calder Valley rail line where it will then run along High Level Road to a stop just outside Rochdale Railway Station. Almost 100 bridges and other structures along the route are being refurbished.