Manchester Metrolink
Since 2007 MPT has been working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to develop the UK’s largest light rail scheme; Manchester Metrolink.
In 2008 MPT, a joint venture of VolkerRail and Laing O'Rourke in consortium with Thales, initially secured the design, construct and maintenance contract to deliver the network expansion of Manchester Metrolink, comprising lines to media City, South Manchester, East Manchester and Oldham Rochdale as well as a new depot facility at Trafford Bar.
The scope of the works was split. VolkerRail and Laing O'Rourke being responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the civil engineering and track and Thales being responsible for the tram operating systems
Whilst delivering this initial phase, MPT worked closely with TfGM to define a scope for future lines. A second phase of extensions was awarded early in 2010 to extend the South Manchester line to East Didsbury and the East Manchester line to Ashton, together with an increase in capacity to the Trafford Depot. Further extensions were awarded later in 2010 comprising a new line to Manchester Airport and town centre routes for Rochdale and Oldham.
In 2014 the contract for the Second City Crossing was awarded. Following the successful delivery of the 14.5km Manchester Airport Line extension in 2014 MPT has now installed over 60km of new track and 57 new stops across the whole network.
Project statistics
- 61km of new track laid
- 57 new tram stops
- Over 164,500 cubic metres of concrete laid
- 150,000 drawings produced in 19 different design disciplines
- Over 14,000 welds
- Over 2,800 overhead line poles installed
- More than 2,300 staff completing over 2million man hours without a reportable incident
Awards
British Construction Industry Awards
Major Civil Engineering Project of the Year over £50m 2015
National Rail Awards
Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year 2015
Chartered Institute of Highways & Transport
North West Transportation Project of the Year 2011
Major Project Award 2015
Light Rail Awards
Supplier of the Year 2011
Tramways & Urban Transit Project of the Year Winner 2011
Project of the Year 2012
UK Project of the Year 2013
Supplier of the Year over £10m 2013
Project of the Year over £50m 2015
Project of the Year over £50m 2016
British Precast Association
2012 Project Award
Four RoSPA (Health & Safety) awards
Seven Considerate Constructors Award
Project sheets
"This is the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken here, and we believe it will act as a catalyst to create new jobs and opportunities."
Jim McMahon Oldham Council leader