Working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, the power operator is diverting and installing 22km of new electricity cable and creating innovative multi-utility trenches for up to 40 ducts and pipes to be relayed for electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications in order to keep any disruption to a minimum.
When combined, the trench work totals 3.2km, which is equivalent to the length of over 213 double-decker buses.
Adrian Devine, asset diversions manager for Electricity North West, said: "We’re proud to be powering Greater Manchester’s transport network with the new Metrolink line to Trafford Park.
“It’s our responsibility to keep the lights on for five million homes and businesses across the North West and to also connect communities by investing in essential major transport projects like the new Metrolink expansion.
“We’re coordinating a fantastic joint utility approach to ensure the project is carried out safely and with minimum disruption as possible to local residents, businesses and commuters.”
Electricity North West have been involved in the latest expansion of the Metrolink network since 2007, which has included lines to Ashton-under-Lyne, Rochdale, Oldham, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and a second crossing of Manchester City Centre.
Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “A key benefit of delivering our phenomenal Metrolink expansion programme is that it has allowed the team to develop innovative and collaborative ways of working, such as the joint utility trench strategy.
Power operator leads innovative approach for new‚ £350m Metrolink “As a result, we’ve seen substantial cost savings against original estimates for utility diversions. We’ve also seen other significant programme benefits, most recently through the delivery of the Second City Crossing, our new line through the heart of Manchester and, significantly, the Manchester Airport line, which completed more than a year ahead of schedule.”
Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Projects, Alex Cropper, said: “Working collaboratively in this way will substantially reduce the cost and time spent on necessary utility works, minimising disruption to surrounding businesses and road users.
“This is a fantastic example of finding innovative ways of working to lessen the impact of construction works on the local community.”
Residents and commuters can stay updated with the expansion by visiting www.tfgm.com/MetrolinkTPL/Pages/index.html and follow #MetrolinkTPL on Twitter.
