The Ordsall Chord centrepiece takes its place
Posted: 21 February 2017 | | No comments yet
The Ordsall Chord – a 300-metre length of track that will link all three of Manchester’s main stations – moved a step closer towards completion today as two 600-tonne arches were dramatically craned into place, creating a new bridge for the railway line.
The Ordsall Chord – a 300-metre length of track that will link all three of Manchester’s main stations – moved a step closer towards completion today as two 600-tonne arches were dramatically craned into place, creating a new bridge for the railway line.
The Ordsall Chord investment
Once complete in 2017, the Ordsall Chord aims to reduce railway congestion by 25% in Manchester as well as reduce journey times and enable faster, more frequent services through the city. It will also enable direct links to Manchester Airport from locations including Rochdale and Bradford.
Rail Minister, Paul Maynard, said: “I’m delighted this crucial step has been completed successfully. The Ordsall Chord is a key part of the government’s £1 billion-plus investment in upgrading the rail infrastructure across the North of England.”
The Railway Upgrade Plan
This is all part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan which represents the biggest sustained programme of rail modernisation since the Victoria era. Its aim is to provide more capacity and relieve crowding. Passengers will also benefit from longer, faster more frequent trains, more reliable infrastructure and better facilities.
Programme Manager, Allan Parker, from Network Rail also commented: “This latest piece of work signifies we are getting ever closer to the Ordsall Chord being completed. Once finished, passengers from across the north will have more direct services to Manchester Airport and a reduction in congestion.”