Metrolink could finally be coming to Stockport as plans hint at tram’s future

Development project plans drop a huge hint towards a future tram line that could run into Stockport.

Space to include the tracks have been included as part of a development project for the town, as Network Rail plans to replace the Greek Street and Stockholm Road bridges due to deterioration.

Work will include tram-train future proofing for an additional track to run through a tunnel so the bridge can be adapted when the trams extend to Stockport.

Residents of the borough have been calling for trams to travel to the SK area for years now and even the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said back in 2019 that he would like the service to extend to Stockport, Wigan and Bolton.

The aim of the plans would see Stockport linked to both Manchester Airport and East Didsbury.

The design proposes that a Metrolink service would travel through a new tunnel which would run under part of Mercian Way and King Street West between Booth Street and the Railway Station.

It would include improved access for pedestrians and cyclists at the Greek Street Bridge site.

At the Communities and Transport Scrutiny Committee held on October 9th, Labour Councillor Rachel Wise said: “I’m absolutely thrilled.

“I’m somebody who likes to get buses and trains and would love to get a tram, I think it’s absolutely the right thing to do, to not close off any possibility of the tram coming to Stockport, coming to the right places, being functional, and getting it to the places that people need to go.”

Councillor Grace Baynham, cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Greek Street Bridge is a key structure for the town’s transport links, in particular for rail and future Metrolink access to Stockport station, as well as being a key route for motorists accessing the town centre and Edgeley.

“The scheme would improve the current road layout, but also improve facilities for walkers and cyclists and would also create critical infrastructure to allow for any future Metrolink route to the town centre as part of our ‘Next Stop Stockport’ ambitions.

“We must recognise that Stockport now has a central role to play in connecting the Greater Manchester sub-region to national destinations through the West Coast Mainline and protecting the ability to deliver Metrolink to the town centre through these works meets that ambition.”

Work to replace Greek Street Bridge is expected to commence in 2025, though it will cause temporary disruption to rail and traffic for commuters throughout the build.

Part of the development will impact the Armoury roundabout and create the need for diversion routes to be put in place while construction takes place. This would see a greater traffic flow through surrounding residential areas, in particular Edgeley.

The cost to replace the bridges is expected to be between £15 – £20 million, with Stockport Council contributing around 5%.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has secured funding from the City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement Tram-Train package, which will cover any additional work costs necessary for tram-train future proofing that is not funded by Network Rail. 

On Monday, October 9th, the proposal was put before the Transport Scrutiny Committee where councillors noted its designs.

It is expected to also face questions at the Central Stockport Area Committee due to be held on October 19th.