Why do we need a Second City Crossing?

The Metrolink Second City Crossing (2CC) proposal is a part of the Transport Strategy for Manchester City Centre and is crucial to delivering the Metrolink extensions currently under construction. The strategy seeks to develop a strong and prosperous economy with a range of proposals to make Greater Manchester a cleaner, safer and more attractive place to visit, live and work.

A new line to MediaCityUK has recently opened and Metrolink extensions to Chorlton, Droylsden, Oldham and Rochdale will open during 2011 and 2012. In addition, Metrolink extensions are under way from Chorlton to East Didsbury, from Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne town centre, through Oldham and Rochdale town centres and to Manchester Airport.

The impact of all the funded Metrolink extensions and service enhancements will be to treble, by 2021, the number of passengers accessing the city centre by tram. The additional number of tram movements will place significant demands on the existing system, giving rise to the need for additional capacity in the city centre.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is promoting a Second City Crossing which will increase operational capacity for all the Metrolink extensions, including services beyond those currently committed. It will also improve reliability for all Metrolink services including the new routes, will provide flexibility to serve special events and reduce disruption caused by future maintenance and renewals in the city centre.

View the future Metrolink map PDF