Construction work is now underway on the underpass at Great Ancoats Street.
Two piling rigs will be used to install concrete retaining walls for the underpass, which trams will eventually pass through once the new East Manchester Line is complete.
The first phase of work will allow for the utilities running under Great Ancoats Street to be diverted. Some noise during this work is inevitable, but the method of piling being used creates significantly less noise, dust and vibration than the alternatives.
Work has started to divert utilities away from the Pollard Street/Carruthers Street junction. This junction will be closed to traffic until 2010 although pedestrian access will remain along Merrill Street, Pollard Street and Carruthers Street.
This is to make sure that utility pipes and cables are not damaged by the main construction work and that tram services are not held up when utilities are maintained or replaced in the future. There will be further utility diversions along the route of the East Manchester Line during 2009.
