Construction works undertaken by Ground Control to transform the Manchester Metrolink

Ground Control is currently undertaking construction works in an exciting project transforming the Manchester Metrolink’s Deansgate-Castlefield stop.

As part of the £1.5 billion investment programme that will see the Metrolink network triple in size, the Deansgate-Castlefield project is the latest asset in the Manchester Metrolink tram system that Ground Control has successfully secured. This follows works on Manchester Airport Line, Oldham Town Centre, South Manchester Line, East Manchester Line and Ashton Line.

The Deansgate-Castlefield Stop is a £27 million scheme, for which Ground Control is completing a combination of hard and soft landscaping. We are taking a joint venture to complete the project, working alongside Laing O’Rourke, Thales and Volker Rail for the client and main contractor; Manchester Passenger Transport (MPT).

Valued at circa £200k, landscaping works include excavation of tree and shrub areas between 0.75 and 1.2m, installation of a specialist waterproof lining membrane, drainage systems, top soiling and specialist urban tree soil. In addition, we are carrying out extra heavy standard tree planting, where trees are to be situated in tree pits of 1.2m deep and secured by underground anchor systems for stability. Ornamental shrub planting of various species will also be in place, offering ground cover and colour. Green resin bound gravel is also to be installed in the track bed in between the sleepers.

With works being carried out during both day and night with the main element situated on the railway viaduct above various bars and cafes, our teams are required to be mindful of the public and to remain 2 metres away from the running trams. Any works that are within 2 metres of the tramway must be carried out at night whilst the trams are suspended to ensure smooth running of the project.

Works have been underway for three weeks now and is set for completion by the end of June 2015.