Frequently asked questions

What is Second City Crossing?
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council are proposing to build a new Metrolink route through Manchester city centre called Second City Crossing.

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.

What is the proposed route?
The route runs from Deansgate-Castlefield stop, through St Peter's Square, along Princess Street, Cross Street and Corporation Street, re-joining the existing Metrolink line just outside Victoria Station. To view a video of the proposed route please click here.

When will Second City Crossing be open?
Subject to obtaining the necessary powers to operate a new Metrolink line in the city centre and appointing a contractor, we anticipate that construction will start in 2013 and the route will open to passenger services in 2016.

What is happening to St Peters Square?
St Peter's Square is anticipated to contain the busiest tram stop on the Metrolink network and is currently subject to a major international design competition. The existing stop in St Peter's Square will be relocated to the northern end of the Square, near the Mosley Street/ Princess Street junction and the existing tracks will be realigned between Elisabeth House and the Central Library. This will provide the opportunity to create a major civic space. For more information on St Peter's Square please click here.

Why have you chosen Exchange Square?
This proposed stop is situated on Corporation Street between Exchange Square and the Manchester Arndale. This allows good pedestrian circulation around the tram stop and serves major retail and leisure facilities in the area such as the Royal Exchange, Manchester Arndale, Marks and Spencer, Selfridges, Manchester Cathedral, the Triangle, the Printworks, the Medieval Quarter, the new National Football Museum at Urbis and other major retailers.

This location for the tram stop minimizes the impact on servicing and access for retailers and businesses and can be technically integrated into the surrounding environment using facing platforms, as well as offering good accessibility to this area of the city centre. The stop will be easily accessible by ramps and steps.

How will traffic be affected?
Second City Crossing is part of the Transport Strategy for Manchester City Centre, which aims to provide a more efficient highway network, re-directing vehicles that do not need to travel through the city centre in order to improve access and ease the flow of traffic. To operate the Metrolink Second City Crossing route successfully, the design will be consistent with the access objectives of the Strategy. To view the draft traffic flow plans please click here.