Manchester Metrolink

WSP was appointed in 2007 as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)’s Delivery Partner for the £1.9bn Metrolink extensions and enhancement program. This has already seen the Metrolink network triple in size with nearly 60km of new tramway now operating. Our services entail the full integration and co-location of our team with that of TfGM and include the provision of comprehensive engineering management, programme management, commercial management, project controls and stakeholder engagement services.

Our accomplishments as part of the TfGM Metrolink Integrated Delivery team are extensive. Highlights include:

Bringing 5 new lines into service in 11 phases – with 24.5km of new line opening significantly ahead of schedule. Most recently, the 14.5km extension to Manchester Airport opened to passengers in November 2014, over a year ahead of schedule.

Development of innovative solutions to Tram Management System requirements, enabling new lines to open according to expectations.

The project is widely recognised as a success story, receiving numerous awards, notably the National Transport Awards special award for "outstanding performance". The project also received numerous Light Rail Awards including Project of the Year for three consecutive years, and has recently won the Chartered Institute for Highways and Transportation Major Projects Award and the National Rail Civil Engineering award for the extension to Manchester Airport. The project won the 2012 British Precast Concrete Award for the highest levels of innovation, quality and efficiency in its tram stop platform construction.

Our role has recently been extended into 2017 to deliver the Metrolink Second City Crossing, now under construction. Furthermore, successful approval of the TWAO for the new Trafford Park Line would see our tenure extended to 2019.