Temporary road layout at the Trafford Centre revealed – but is it really a Christmas present for shoppers?

[dropcap types ‘circles”]The first phase of the roadworks being done ahead of the Metrolink section to the Trafford Centre have finished.

That’s the  good news.  But, in what Transport for Greater Manchester says is an early Christmas present for shoppers, a new temporary road layout at Peel Circle has been unveiled which they say should help visitors travelling around Trafford City from now until the New Year.

They say that work to construct the new Trafford Park Metrolink line will press ahead at other key locations along the route as well as on land at intu Trafford Centre which is off the road.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “Construction of the Trafford Park line is progressing at quite a pace.

“However, we have purposely scheduled our work to help visitors and businesses close to intu Trafford Centre at this busy time of year. We’ve opened newly-constructed lanes and removed temporary traffic lights in the immediate area.

“Anyone travelling to the area to shop, dine, attend an event or ski should be aware that there is a new temporary road layout at Peel Circle to help improve the flow of traffic.”

A plan of the new temporary road layout close to EventCity, Barton Square and intu Trafford Centre,  is above and more details can be found on the Trafford Park line webpage.

Alison Niven, Regional Centre Director for intu Trafford Centre, said: “We’re approaching our busiest eight weeks of the year, with shoppers travelling from across the UK to enjoy a day of Christmas shopping, dining and leisure attractions.

“Therefore we’re pleased to have worked closely with TfGM and their contractor M-Pact Thales to arrange the resequencing the construction work and minimise the effect on the roads until the New Year, providing an easier approach for shoppers during this peak period.

The next phase of Metrolink construction affecting highways close to intu Trafford Centre will start in January 2018.

The £350 million Metrolink project – which includes a £20 million contribution from Trafford Council – will be a six-stop line taking in major visitor attractions including Old Trafford football stadium, the Imperial War Museum North and EventCity.