Latest news with #TransportforGreaterManchester
Metro
3 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Andy Burnham wants to take Manchester underground
Andy Burnham pricked up ears this week when he unveiled ambitious plans for an underground railway in Manchester. The Mayor of Greater Manchester said the city's transport network would have to go underground by 2050 if it is to keep up with the demand. Outlining his ten-year strategy earlier this week, Burnham promised Britain's third largest city its 'best decade since the Victorian era'. Burnham announced the eye-catching proposals, centred around a flagship underground hub at Piccadilly railway station. Citing the limits of expanding the city's existing Metrolink tram network on the surface, Burnham announced he had instructed Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to 'start planning' for an underground network. Manchester previously experimented with the concept of a 'Tube' like railway between its two major stations, Piccadilly and Victoria. The plan, dubbed the 'Picc-Vic', was considered in the 1970s. Trains would have run every two to three minutes in twin tunnels between the hubs, and ten minutes to areas outside of the city centre. But it was abandoned after the Westminster government decided the costs were prohibitive, having been estimated at more than £9million (or £139million in today's money). In his speech, Burnham said the Bee Network, which comprises of Manchester's Metrolink tram network as well as buses which have been brought under local authority control was fast reaching its capacity. He said: 'We are building the Bee Network on the surface. If we achieve our economic ambitions, we will be struggling to manage. 'I am going to ask Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to look at options for underground services. We will work with the government to look at financing it.' The new subterranean concept would be centred around a new interchange at Piccadilly Station, he said. It would complement the existing tram system, which runs on a mix of dedicated lines and streets shared with road traffic. As well as relieving congestion on the local and suburban rail network, it would offer better connectivity within the city centre. A total of 42 million passenger journeys are made on the tram network alone – up from 25 million in 2012. The idea of an underground station at the city's main rail terminus was previously considered as part of the now cancelled leg of HS2 and in plans for a new railway between Liverpool and Manchester. In 1971, Manchester's then transport authority presented plans to go underground, with promotional artwork depicting Victoria Line style tube trains which would run on a 2.75 mile between Piccadilly and Victoria. The Picc-Vicc railway formed part of a four-phase 25-year plan for Manchester's transport system. The same decade, partially underground mass transit systems were established in both Liverpool and Newcastle. But the Manchester scheme never took off after a failure to secure central government funding for the project, which would have cost £139million in today's money. Instead, the city revived its tram network, closed in 1949. The Metrolink has expanded to 99 stops across 64 miles of track. In 2012, remains of the tunnel scheme were discovered by two lecturers at the University of Manchester. Dr Martin Dodge and Richard Brook found what would have been the beginnings of a station dug 30ft below the Arndale shopping centre. One major obstacle to the project, like its 1970s predecessor, would be its inevitably huge cost, with underground railways notoriously expensive to develop and construct. London's Elizabeth Line was delivered at a final cost of £18.8billion, significantly up from the £14.8billion originally budgeted for the scheme. The cost of Burnham's ambitious 'tube' plans would certainly be measured in the billions, possibly as much as £10billion for what would almost certainly be a far shorter railway than Crossrail, an expert has said. David Leeder, from consultancy Transport Investment Limited, said the mayor would struggle to deliver the scheme from local taxes and would instead rely on a grant from Westminster. More Trending He told Metro: 'Yes, the rail infrastructure in Manchester is undoubtedly crowded, but how will a multi billion pound scheme actually be funded when we are on the precipice of a public spending and borrowing crisis? 'The city mayors are set up in such a way that their default answer is always 'by a grant from the DfT / HM Treasury, to be paid for by taxes that mainly fall on London and the south east'.' He added that the scheme, given its complexity, could eat up 'hundreds of millions' in just the development stage, and would likely require operating subsidies in the region of 'tens of millions per annum'. 'The passenger volumes in Manchester are a fraction of those in London. Yes it was very hard to make an economic case for the Elizabeth Line, even with such huge volumes, so it will be harder still in Manchester', he said. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: M60 closed for hours after serious crash on motorway MORE: I got a massive tattoo of this UK city to prove my love MORE: BST Hyde Park issues update on headliner's health after sudden gig cancellation
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge Oasis warning issued to thousands of fans attending Heaton Park reunion
Oasis will play five huge shows at Heaton Park in Manchester next week as part of their highly anticipated reunion tour and a warning has been issued to those attending The much-anticipated Oasis reunion that's been the buzz since last summer is finally happening this week as the band sets off on their massive global tour. It's been nearly 16 years since Oasis graced the stage together, with their last live performance ending abruptly in 2009 due to a notorious backstage row. The comeback tour will see them perform 19 shows across the UK and Ireland, followed by an international stint hitting venues in America, Asia, and Australia. Oasis will launch their tour with two nights in Cardiff before heading to Manchester for a quintet of performances at Heaton Park on the 11th, 12th, 16th, 19th, and 20th of July. With the Heaton Park concerts just around the corner, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued travel advice for fans attending the gigs. An estimated 340,000 attendees are expected to flock to Heaton Park to see the Gallagher brothers reunite over the five nights, prompting early travel preparations. Steve Gilholme, Head of Events at TfGM, commented: "People have waited years for the return of Oasis, and their homecoming gigs at Heaton Park are sure to be an 'I was there' moment for thousands of Mancunians and music-lovers from all over the country - and even overseas." He added: "Those lucky enough to get tickets won't want to miss a minute - and the best way to get to Heaton Park and back will be to take advantage of the great public transport options on offer, particularly the six-minute tram service from Victoria station." "The city will also be playing host to a number of other big events during Oasis' run of shows - including Kool and The Gang at AO Arena and Billie Eilish at Co-op Live. "Public transport and roads will be busier than usual during this exciting time, so we encourage everyone to allow plenty of time for their journey and check the Bee Network app or website for the latest travel advice." TfGM's state-of-the-art control room will also be operating around the clock to monitor and coordinate the public transport system and respond to any emerging incidents. Travel arrangements for the hotly anticipated reunion shows have involved months of planning by TfGM and its partners and will see additional staff on the network, a more frequent and all-double tram service running to Heaton Park from Victoria station, and a shuttle bus service running from the city centre. TfGM has said that the best way for fans to beat the traffic and get to the 80,000-capacity outdoor venue will be to travel by tram. On each night, there will be a six-minute service from Victoria Station to Bury - the only city centre station with a direct tram to Heaton Park. This service will be capable of carrying 4,000 passengers an hour. Those journeying from the city centre are advised to head to Victoria where they can hop on trams to the event. Festival-goers travelling from other lines may need to switch onto a Bury-bound tram at Victoria. If you've got a ticket for front standing at Heaton Park, it's recommended to alight at Bowker Vale, which is the nearest stop to the venue entrance on Sheepfoot Lane. The Heaton Park stop will be shut from 9pm on all nights, making Bowker Vale the primary stop for journeys back to Bury and the city centre post-show. Concert attendees should also note that due to planned engineering work, there will be no trams operating from Piccadilly Station to city centre stops. Both the Bowker Vale and Heaton Park stops are just a stone's throw away from the park gates, with staff and signage in place to assist gig-goers. For the gigs on July 11, 12, and 19, the final trams will depart for the city centre at 2.02am and for Bury at 1.16am. On July 16, the last trams will operate at 1.32am to the city centre and 12.46am to Bury. It's also been suggested that those commuting on the Bury line on Friday 11 and Wednesday 16 might want to consider working from home if feasible, as the tram network will be particularly congested, with longer waits for services anticipated. Those travelling on the Eccles and Bury line will also need to change trams to reach the city centre. Regular shuttle buses will be operating from Lever Street in the Northern Quarter, an 11-minute stroll from Piccadilly train station and a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens, starting at 1.30pm on each event day. The final bus will leave at 7.30pm. It's recommended to set off early to avoid missing the gig's start as later buses are expected to be packed. Buses will begin their return journey to Manchester from a temporary bus station within Heaton Park, starting at 10pm. Buses will keep running until all passengers have left the bus station. The drop-off point back in the city is Shudehill Interchange. A limited number of shuttlebus tickets, costing £10, are available but must be bought in advance via the Bee Network app. Expect increased traffic and several road closures around Heaton Park and nearby areas on event dates. Heaton Park is typically served by various commercial bus services, but from 8pm on event days, these will be diverted due to the road closures around the park. The city centre is also likely to be busy, with congestion around Great Ancoats Street and surrounding areas. Those who need to drive or require drop-off and pick-up services are urged to consider using one of the 24 park and ride sites across Greater Manchester. The park and ride facilities on the Bury line include Whitefield, with 331 spaces and 13 disabled spaces, and Radcliffe, offering 480 spaces and 22 disabled spaces.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metrolink disruption as points failure means trams not calling at key stop
Metrolink services are facing disruption meaning that some trams will not be calling at a key stop. Tram services towards Manchester will not be calling at MediaCityUK 'until further notice', Transport for Greater Manchester says. The disruption, which has been caused by a points failure, has been affecting services since the start of this morning (June 14). READ MORE: 'I see mums who can't afford to feed their children - how can they afford this?' READ MORE: A rapist on the run, the 'racial prejudice' that saw the case collapse and a jury room bust-up - what can now be revealed about the Rochdale grooming trial Passengers travelling on the line from Eccles to Ashton-Under-Lyne have been told to use Harbour City or Broadway instead. In a post on X, the Bee Network wrote: "Due to a points fault, tram services towards Manchester will not call at MediaCityUK. "Please use Harbour City or Broadway to complete your journey. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused." Elsewhere on the network, there will be changes to services operating on several lines due to events such as Parklife taking place. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Police find out why man ran away down tram tracks after looking down his trousers
Police made a worrying discovery after a man decided to run down the tram tracks in south Manchester. Greater Manchester Police says officers were working at St Werburgh's Road tram stop, in Chorlton, with Transport for Greater Manchester on Monday evening (June 9). While in attendance, officers from GMP's Transport Unit spotted a man acting suspiciously. READ MORE: 'If I hear the wheelie bins moving, I'll know it's them' READ MORE: "Had this been a sanctioned boys would never have been put in the ring together" GMP says the officers tried to speak to him, but he began to run down the tram tracks as he tried to escape police. He was soon caught up and detained by police, who carried out a search and discovered a machete hiding down his trousers. Officers also seized Class A drugs from the man. He was arrested before his property was searched by police. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE At the address, officers discovered more illegal drugs, plus cash and another machete. GMP Manchester South shared an image of the moment the man was detained at St Werburgh's Road. In a post on Facebook, a police spokesperson added: "If you carry drugs or weapons on the transport network you never know, at your next stop might be Transport Unit officers waiting to greet you." --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Road closures to be aware of ahead of IRONMAN this weekend
With one of Bolton's biggest events of the calendar, IRONMAN, taking place this weekend, here are all the road closures you need to be aware of. The event, which will have different runs over the course of the weekend, has been in Bolton since 2009. All three events are sold out, with 8,500 people having registered. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has "strongly advised against" making journeys by car in the area unless essential. Bus journeys will also be affected, with diverted routes in place. Here are the road closures to be aware of throughout the weekend. Friday, June 6 - Night Run Moor Lane, Deansgate, Knowsley Street, Chorley Street, Spa Road, St Edmund Street, Helena Road and Bridge Street will be closed from 5.30pm to 9pm. Spa Road will be closed eastbound from 5.30pm to 9pm. Saturday, June 7 - IRONKIDS Le Mans Crescent will be closed all day. Deansgate will be closed from 6am to 5pm. Sunday, June 8 - IRONMAN St Helens Road, Sandy Lane, Byrom Lane, Slag Lane and Lowton Road will be closed from 6am to 10am. Wigan Road/Warrington Road (A573) will be closed from 6am to 10.30am. Bickershaw Lane, a short section of the A578, Nel Pan Lane and Westleigh Lane will be closed from 6am to 10.45am. Read more: Everything you need to know about Bolton IRONMAN this weekend Read more: Murder suspect's 'frenzied stabbing' caused victim 'seven deep wounds', court told Read more: Neighbours heard shots ring out after XL Bully 'savaged' its owner Atherleigh Way (A579) between St Helens Road and Kirkhall Lane will be closed northbound only from 6am to 9.45am. Atherleigh Way (A579) will be closed northbound only between Kirkhall Lane and the Talbot roundabout from 6am to 10.45am. Gibfield Park Way and Gibfield Park Avenue will be closed 6.30am to 11am. North Road from the junction with Gibfield Park Avenue, Platt Lane and the A58 from Platt Lane to the Chequerbent roundabout will be closed from 6.30am to 11am. Park Road and Manchester Road (A6) will be closed westbound only from 7am to 11am. Chew Moor Lane/Tempest Road to Regent Road, and Regent Road to Chorley New Road, will be closed from 7am to 11.15am. De Havilland Way will be closed northbound from 7am to 1pm. Victoria Road (A58) and Old Kiln Lane will be closed from 7am to 1pm. Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to the Beehive Roundabout will be closed eastbound from 7am to 1pm. There will be access westbound throughout the day. Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to Waterslea Drive will be closed from 7am to 1.30pm. Chorley New Road from Waterslea Drive to St George's Road (B6226) will be closed from 7am to 5.30pm. Chew Moor Lane, St John's Road, Tempest Road, Regent Road will be closed from 7am to 11.15am. Chorley Street, Bark Street, St Helena's Road, Blackhorse Street and Queen Street will be closed from 7am to 3.30pm. Spa Road will be closed from 6am to 6pm. A council spokesperson said: 'Thousands of local people and visitors will be taking part in and enjoying our three IRONMAN events and we are sure that there will once again be a fabulous atmosphere. 'But with so many people taking part, including children, we are asking everyone to help us make safety the highest priority. 'Temporary road closures are an unavoidable part of large events and while every effort is made to keep disruption to a minimum, we strongly advise residents and visitors to check the route maps and plan ahead accordingly.'
