Andy Burnham has named the date construction work should start for Metrolink extensions to Heywood and Stockport.

The government confirmed earlier this year funding is in place for the projects, and designs are currently being worked up by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

It's understood the Heywood extension, which will be a 'tram-train' via Oldham, Rochdale, Heywood, and Bury is more developed and closer to becoming reality.

When it opens, it will give Greater Manchester two Metrolink firsts: The first 'orbital' Metrolink route, i.e. one which does not go via the city centre, and the first 'tram-train', set to be rolled out across the city in coming years.

Tram-trains are fully electric, using overhead wires like trams for power on some sections of track, and batteries on other stretches.

The revamped Bury Interchange will be built to handle tram-trains, trams, and buses, according to a TfGM report.

"The Bury Interchange redevelopment has been futureproofed with provision for a third platform for tram-train services from Heywood – which themselves need careful consideration as to how to share the corridor with the East Lancashire Railway," it said.

That report also confirmed the Stockport project is not much further behind, which is set to build a tram-only extension from East Didsbury out to Stockport Interchange, which opened last year with the capability of hosting trams.

Now, Andy Burnham has confirmed the target dates for construction work to begin on both lines.

The outline business case for the Heywood project is 'expected to be completed in 2026', the mayor told a Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting on Friday (August 22). 

"A target date for work starting is 2028," he added.

"We are a stage further back in relation to Stockport. We want to start on-site in 2030."

Government funding for the schemes covers 2027-2032, suggesting if construction does not start in 2028 and 2030 as hoped, it should not be delayed by too long.

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