A £350M extension of Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network has secured approval from the government.

The new 5.5km Trafford Park line, which will expand the size of the Metrolink network to 64 miles (103km), will branch off from the existing Pomona stop and call at six new tram stops: Wharfside, Imperial War Museum, Village, Parkway, EventCity and Trafford Centre.

The mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd said: “Today’s announcement is another big step forward for Greater Manchester. I’m delighted that our long held ambition to build a new Metrolink line through Trafford Park is now about to become a reality.

“Our new Trafford Park line will connect people across Greater Manchester to thousands of new job opportunities as well as offering fast, frequent and sustainable links to some of our city-region’s greatest sporting and cultural venues, not to mention the Trafford Centre. 

“This new line will boost our economy and bring us closer to our goal of a world class transport system for Greater Manchester. I look forward to seeing the first shovel in the ground this winter.”

Construction work is expected to commence by the end of 2016, with the line expected to be in operation by 2021.

TfGM, Metrolink network owner, is expected to shortly appoint a contractor for the project.

* Data provided by Timetric's Construction Intelligence Center.