Zenergi's siteworks expertise delivers Manchester's major tram extension on time.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the local government body responsible for delivering Greater Manchester’s transport strategy and commitments – an immense responsibility for a major city. The Keolis Amey Metrolink tram system is the largest of its kind in the UK, serving 99 stops across eight lines along almost 103km of track, with 120 modern trams catering for more than 34 million journeys annually. When they needed to extend the Trafford Park Line from Manchester city centre to The Trafford Centre, they trusted our siteworks team to deliver this critical infrastructure project.

A team effort

From the beginning of this important project, we worked closely with the contractor, MPT, plus Keolis Amey Metrolink, and all stakeholders to deliver an integrated solution. Our collaborative, flexible approach set us up for success when facing tight deadlines, a surprise metering data gap and rescheduled dates due to unforeseen site circumstances. We kept close communication with clients, engineers, contractors and project managers throughout delivery, keeping everyone aligned and informed as we juggled the evolving challenges that you’d expect with any complex project.

Making an impact

Working with the contractor, we managed the complete Siteworks package, including disconnections and site clearance for demolition of seven existing buildings along the proposed route. Our team arranged metering for six new tram stops and coordinated three High Voltage and three Low Voltage substation meters. After we completed the disconnections and demolition works, we facilitated new meter installations and provided Energy Procurement management and metering contracts, securing competitive pricing for the energy requirements. The result? An extended line that improved public transport connections for over 1,300 businesses in Trafford Park, Europe’s largest industrial estate.

Driving Results

When we’re embedded in an assignment, especially complex infrastructure projects, we are always ready to troubleshoot. For example, when we identified High Voltage substation shorting issues that got in the way of meter data retrieval, we acted quickly to resolve the problem. Using historical testing data from previous line openings, we effectively estimated usage and proposed solutions to the meter operator, making sure TfGM and KAM paid for accurate usage rather than zero billing. Throughout the project, our open communication and flexibility helped the team meet all critical path activity deadlines, delivering Manchester’s tram extension with positive outcomes for Trafford Park’s businesses and the wider local community.

Are you interested in exploring how our siteworks expertise can support your infrastructure projects? Have a conversation with one of our team today. We’re trusted to deliver comprehensive project management for large-scale, complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects.

Whether you need siteworks consulting, business energy meter installation, utility management services – or an integrated solution – we can pull together a plan that calls on specialist experience.