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New Metrolink lines ready in 2011

18/06/2008

New Metrolink tram lines to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton will be ready in spring 2011, it has been announced.

In a move that will almost double the existing light rail network, Manchester transport bosses have selected M-Pact Thales to design, build and look after the new lines.

Construction work is expected to start early next year and there are also plans in the pipeline to build a new extension to Salford Quays' mediacity site, which will soon be home to several BBC departments.

Metrolink director Philip Purdy said: "Residents and businesses across Greater Manchester have been hugely supportive of the Metrolink expansion.

"The new Metrolink routes will make it much easier for people living and working in the county to use public transport, and bring major benefits to the local economy."

In April, environmental experts inspected the routes of the new Metrolink lines to check for protected species, such as bats, and to see whether trees will need replacing.