Metrolink preperation works (Chorlton line).

Chris Lowe's Scenic Photos

27th May 2009

I will through this collection be showing the preperations for Manchester's Metrlink tram systems extension to Chorlton. This work includes putting track back intot the disused track bed between Trafford Bar and Chorlton. Thereby partly reconstructing the old South District Line from Manchester's Central Station (now an exhibition centre, recently re-named), which the line will pass on its way out of Manchester.

The line was last used for normal passenger traffic on Sunday 1st January 1967 which was 87 years to the day after they began. As well as being used for local services, some London bound traffic also used this line. Now the current plan is for the line to be relaid as far as Chorlton with modern Metrolink trams, with at least one stop reintroduced at Chorlton, although the site of the former Chorlton-cum-Hardy railway station and goods yard is now the site of a Morrison's supermarket. Further plans hope to see this current extension, extended once again as far as East Didsbury, which is further along the same disused railway line.

(1) The view of the recently cleared old trackbed, looking from the road bridge at Brantingham Road looking towards the Old Trafford direction. DSCF0010.jpg 2009-05-27 16:08:41	(2) A view of the old trackbed, still a bit waterlogged looking from Brantingham Road bridge towards the former Chorlton-Cum-Hardy station. DSCF0011.jpg 2009-05-27 16:09:01	(3) Another view towards the former Chorlton-Cum-Hardy railway station from the Brantingham Road bridge. DSCF0012.jpg 2009-05-27 16:09:13	(4) A view from the road bridge at Manchester Road, looking at the old track bed towards the Firswood and Old Trafford direction. DSCF0013.jpg 2009-05-27 16:57:27
(5) Another view towards the former Chorlton-Cum-Hardy railway station from the Brantingham Road bridge. DSCF0020.jpg 2009-08-31 16:30:59