Metrolink works “well advanced”

Map of the Metrolink route in Rochdale

Councillors have been told that the Metrolink work on Phase 3a – to Maclure Road – is “well advanced.”
 
At a meeting held tonight (Monday 21 March 2011) Councillors were informed that they may see a start on proving trials for the trams before the end of the year, with services running from spring 2012.
 
Preparatory work for Phase 3B - into the town centre – has begun, with service diversions underway and from April major sewer reconstruction work will begin on Drake Street.
 
A report presented to Councillors reads: “We understand that works are proceeding to schedule, albeit there are emerging issues about the condition of the bridge at the junction of Drake Street and Smith Street and mechanisms for maintaining buildings on parts of Drake Street which will be close to the Metrolink safety zone. Nevertheless, the operative date for services running into the town centre has not changed from early 2014.”
 
The disruption to traders on Drake Street was also highlighted at tonight’s meeting and was described in a report as “inevitable.”
 
The report added: “All efforts are being made to minimise the impact of the works on traders.
 
“We have installed considerable signage informing the public that the traders remain open and the temporary car park on the Central Retail Park is providing spaces for visitors displaced from Drake Street itself.
 
“There will be additional car parking spaces provided in the near future as the ‘gap site’ at the bottom of Drake Street will be made into a temporary car park and the former Observer building car park will also be made available for public use.
 
“Monthly meetings are being held with the traders and GMPTE staff are visiting traders individually on a regular basis.”