Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced the start of construction on the £350M Metrolink Trafford Park line in Manchester, UK.

The project will include the construction of six new tram stops offering rapid transport connections to key business and leisure destinations.

The new 5.5km Trafford Park line, which will expand the Metrolink network to 64 miles (103km) served by 99 stops, will branch off from the existing Pomona stop.

Greater Manchester mayor Tony Lloyd said: “It’s great to see the first spades in the ground for yet another Metrolink line.

“Metrolink is one of Greater Manchester’s major success stories, helping to drive regeneration and boost local economies.

“Trafford Park is the largest industrial estate in Europe and deserving of first class transport links — and this new route also takes in other iconic destinations, from Old Trafford to the Trafford Centre.”

TfGM will deliver the project along with MPact-Thales (MPT) and WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff. The tram line is expected to be operational in 2021.

* Data provided by Timetric's Construction Intelligence Center.