Work on final phase of Rochdale Metrolink to begin

First Metrolink tram at Maclure Road Stop

Work on the final stage of the Rochdale’s Metrolink will begin in the next few months.

Overhead lines will be installed from the train station, along Drake Street and through to the new transport interchange.

Trams will start running into the town centre next year and will hopefully bring more visitors to Rochdale and a boost to the local economy.

Neil Harrison, Transport for Greater Manchester’s spokesman for the Rochdale line, said: “In Easter 2013 work will begin to construct the overhead line equipment required along the route of the Rochdale town centre Metrolink extension.

“Later in the year, we anticipate that the overhead lines will be electrified. 

"Trams will only travel along Drake Street and into the town centre from 2014, but it is hoped they will reach Rochdale train station within the next few months once final testing has been completed.

"This will complement our aims to help regenerate Rochdale by creating 200 jobs and bringing new retailers to the area, ultimately improving the local economy."