Two additiuonal extensions to Manchester Metrolink have been authorised by the Department for Transport, and talks are underway on the construction of another new line which would bring trams to Manchester Airport.

Sadiq Khan, Transport Minister announced approval of plans to extend Metrolink from Droylsden to Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside and from Chorlton to East Didsbury in South Manchester. Work on four other extensions is already under way. These will serve MediaCityUK at Salford Quays, Chorlton, Droylsden and the former heavy rail line through Oldham Mumps to Rochdale station.

In addition to forty new trams which are already being added to the fleet, an extra eight trams will be ordered, six of which will be funded by the Department for Transport.

Funding has also been provided for two new Park and Ride sites at Ashton Moss and Ashton West the capacity for an additional 600 cars between them.

There could be more developments. Work is also about to start on the detailed planning of a proposed extension from the East Didsbury line which would branch off at St Werburgh’s Road and run to the airport via Wythenshawe, following the approval of an initial budget of £26 million by the Capital Projects committee of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority.

Councillor Richard Knowles, who chairs the committee, said: “We are delighted to see that such a strong start is to be made this year on the Metrolink line to Manchester Airport. This is a very important stage which involves developing the designs in further detail. We will be doing detailed work on the scope and programme for diverting utilities such as electrical cables and pipes. Extensive topographic, geotechnical and environmental surveys will also take place.”