Metrolink

This year we're leading a joint utility approach to allow the construction of a new £350m six-stop Metrolink line to the busy Trafford Park industrial estate and intu Trafford Centre. 

Working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, we're 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.” 

This is the third project we have worked on back in 2007 we worked on the expansion of the Metrolink network to include Ashton-under-Lyne, Rochdale, Oldham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport. Also, in late 2013 the team focused their efforts on delivering a second city crossing through the city centre of Manchester, known as “2CC”.

This major project presented many challenges in regards to traffic and pedestrian management.

We also encountered a number of engineering obstacles from having to divert our equipment at the same time as other utility companies, as well as managing the project alongside other construction projects in Manchester city centre.

Working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council and other utilities, we created and installed innovative multi-utility trenches, in order to manage the project more efficiently.