Alpha Rail works underway on MPT Trafford Park Line project

Metal railings, gates and pedestrian guardrail specialist Alpha Rail is delighted to have been appointed to fabricate, supply and install metalwork fencing to the new Trafford Park Line, located in Manchester. This is a significant piece of civil engineering for the city and is currently some 7 months ahead of schedule thanks to efforts by all involved, with some tram services launching in April.

The £350m project features six new tram stops along a 5.5km route through Trafford Industrial Park, allowing people to get around Greater Manchester much easier. Improved transport links for the city will offer ease of access to places of work, leisure, retail and events. The majority of the new line will be off-road, providing a reliable and on-time service. The new stops facilitate easy access to key destinations such as Manchester United Football Club, intu Trafford Centre and the Imperial War Museum.

TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) awarded the contract to MPact Thales, a consortium of VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke and Thales. VolkerRail and Laing O’Rourke are responsible for the design and construction of the new tram route, with Thales supplying the Tramway Management System & control solution.

Approved in 2013, work commenced in 2016 and is scheduled for completion in 2020. Alpha Rail will be working to supply and install bespoke metal balustrade and various other types of metalwork to the highway, tram stops and structures along the route.

Phil Ball, Sales Director at Alpha Rail commented: “We are proud to have been appointed on such a high-profile project that will provide fantastic new transport links throughout Manchester. Being mostly off-road, this service will allow commuters to get to their destination on time and avoid congestion. Project completion is now in sight – a great achievement by all.”