MANCHESTER Ordsall Chord rail opened to passengers on Sunday.

The 300 meters track stretch not only connects the central stations of Manchester (Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford), but also allows new, direct, services towards Manchester Airport from the North starting May 2018.

Train movements in and out Piccadilly, through the use of the stretch track, will ease the blockade caused in the past, just by crossing the River Irwell.

The train track was characterised as the “centrepiece” of the £1 billion Great North Rail Project by a spokesman.

The £85 million rail connection is located near George Stephenson’s bridge, which was built in 1830 to connect Manchester and Liverpool on the world’s first passenger railway.

Peter Jenkins, lead architect of the six-year project, stated: “It’s been a difficult project to work on – it’s been controversial with lots of difficult moments.”

Work in progress for Ordsall Chord

London North West route managing director at Network Rail, Martin Frobisher said:

“The completion of Ordsall Chord is a seminal moment in the Great North Rail Project, which will transform train travel for millions of customers across the north. The old is giving birth to the new.”

Mr Frobisher explained how they are “mirroring” George Stephenson’s idea for the public’s benefit to help the generations to follow.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, commented: “Orsdall Chord opening is a significant event that will provide faster, more efficient train services for people in the region. The works were desperately needed and will support jobs, growth and investment for generations to come.”

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