Metrolink tram route from Oldham to Bury has date set

The project is being funded from Greater Manchester’s £1.07 billion share of a £5.7 billion funding package by the Department for Transport, known as the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements.

According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the scheme would see trams being run from Oldham to Heywood initially, followed by an extension to Bury afterwards.

Currently, those wishing to travel to Bury using the tram network have to go into Manchester Victoria and change trams.

The final route would mean a direct rail link to Bury via Heywood – something which can currently be done by changing to a bus in Rochdale.

The route would be similar to changing to the 471 bus in Rochdale from the tram. Image: Google Maps

The deadline for the whole route to be finished is the end of 2029, with work set to start in April 2025.

Greater Manchester’s previously announced ‘Bee Network,’ which aims to create a joined-up transport system, is set to incorporate local rail tickets with bus and tram fares by 2030.

The current Metrolink-only route to Bury means travelling in to Manchester and out again, and takes around double the time it would to drive. Image: Google Maps

Other initiatives in the £1.07 billion funding package include the procurement of seven new tram-train vehicles that can run on heavy rail and light rail infrastructure between Oldham and Bury.

Additionally, funding has been allocated for the development of two new Metrolink stops on the Oldham line, including one at Cop Road, between the current Derker and Shaw and Crompton stops and a tram stop in Collyhurst between Manchester Victoria and Monsall, which would also serve the Bury Line.

The development of the new stops is set to be completed by April 2027.

In addition to Metrolink projects, funding has also been allocated to a new Bus Transit Corridor between Rochdale, Oldham, and Ashton by April 2027; phase two of the ‘Accessible Oldham’ redesign of the town centre to improve walking and cycling facilities by April 2026; active travel and bus priority measures in Oldham Mumps, Beal Valley, and Broadbent Cross by the end of 2027; and a refurbishment of the Manchester Street viaduct by September 2025.

Phase one of the Accessible Oldham scheme is already underway.

Oldham Council leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton said: “Oldham Council works closely with TfGM, and other partners, so residents have better transport links.

“We want to make it easier for people to get to work, get out and about with family and friends and access public transport – that’s why we are working with TfGM and looking at a range of ways to improve our transport infrastructure, including a new tram stop at Cop Road and an extension to the Oldham-Rochdale tram line in the future to Heywood and Bury.

“These are still proposals that are at an early stage but we want more people to be able to travel without using their cars, helping to cut pollution and freeing up road space for essential journeys.

“Better transport links mean residents can access learning and career opportunities. In the long term, this will have major benefits for the borough and can help support the development of new homes, jobs and businesses."

She added: “Our Accessible Oldham project is improving walking and cycling routes across the town centre to make it easier for people to make sustainable travel choices. Work is progressing really well and includes phases to connect us to Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

“In addition, we have secured funding for other projects in Oldham at Mumps, close to the Beal Valley / Broadbent Moss sites and the main bus route between Rochdale, Oldham and Ashton with a focus on making travel by active means and bus easier, safer and more attractive.

“These major transport projects will be delivered using money from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) made to Greater Manchester.

“As part of our Levelling Up bid, we’ve sought funding to create a greenway linking the town centre to Northern Roots and this will also be boosted by proposals to connect the Park Bridge area of the site to Tameside via a new bridge across the Medlock Valley.”