Transport for Greater Manchester: Siteworks team facilitate the extension of the UK’s largest tram system.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the local government body responsible for delivering Greater Manchester’s transport strategy and commitments.

Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM), a joint venture between Keolis and Amey, took over operations and maintenance of Manchester’s Metrolink for a period of up to 10 years from July 2017.

The Keolis Amey Metrolink tram system is the largest of its kind in the UK. It serves 99 stops across eight different lines along almost 103km of track, with a fleet of 120 modern trams catering for more than 34 million journeys a year.

Challenge

To facilitate the extension of the Trafford Park Line, from Manchester city centre to The Trafford Centre

Solution

The project involved working with the contractor, MPT, to manage the disconnections and site clearance for demolition on seven existing buildings along the proposed route; arranging the metering for the six new tram stops; and arranging three High Voltage and three Low Voltage substation meters

Once the disconnections and demolition works were complete, we worked alongside MPT and KAM to facilitate new meter installations and arranged the procurement of the energy supplies and metering contracts, ensuring a competitive price for the energy.

We identified a problem on each of the High Voltage substations after install. They were shorting which meant that meter data could not be retrieved and all sites were billing to zero usage. We worked with the meter operator, supplier and site engineers to resolve the issue. By having historical testing data from previous line openings, we were able to effectively estimate the usage and propose this to the meter operator which ensured that KAM and TfGM paid for accurate usage.

Result

Often working to tight deadlines, with short notice metering requirements and re-scheduled dates due to unforeseen circumstances at site, meant that close communication with stakeholders, including the client; engineers; contractors; and project managers was essential.

Critical path activity deadlines were all met throughout the project, due to the effective communication and flexibility.