Tram tests on Rochdale town centre Metrolink line

Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop

The first overnight tram tests on the Metrolink line to the new Rochdale town centre stop are set to start this weekend.

From Saturday 2 November for around three weeks trams will run on the line overnight under a police escort. Some road junctions will be restricted for very short periods of time and noise will be kept to a minimum.

The overnight test trams will be seen further along the route as they turn back at the Milnrow stop.

Daytime tram tests will follow, but during the testing period the tram service is not open to the public. People can continue to use the road and pedestrian crossings as normal.

Passenger services from Rochdale railway station through to the new town centre stop will open next year.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The fact that Metrolink is a step closer is fantastic news.

“This is one of many changes taking place which are set to transform our town centre in the coming months and we’re really excited about the transformation which is taking place.”