Case Study

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Second City Crossing (2CC) through Manchester

Excalon is proud of it’s continuing involvement as a key contractor working with TfGM to expand the Metrolink tram network throughout Greater Manchester and improve transport in the region, which is integral to the Government’s plans for Manchester and the proposed Northern Powerhouse.

Since 2008, Excalon has worked closely with TfGM, MPT, Manchester City Council, ENWL and other utility companies in diverting and relocating existing utilities equipment to provide a swept path for new lines and stops, as follows:

• New branch lines to Ashton-Under-Lyne, Rochdale, Oldham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport
• Second City Crossing (2CC) through Greater Manchester
• Multi-utility works for the Second City Crossing

Second City Crossing (2CC) through Manchester

Commencing in 2013, Excalon has been diverting and relocating all EHV/HV/LV and service electricity cables, substations and associated equipment together with installing innovative ‘multi-utility’ ductings in the ground and providing global traffic management (for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic) as necessary for the ongoing construction of the Second City Crossing through the heart of Manchester City Centre.

At the planning stage of the Second City Crossing it was acknowledged that there would be major engineering difficulties caused by having to divert/relocate all the various utilities at the same time in the busy City Centre, where there would be severe congestion with unacceptable disruption and delays. To address these difficulties, Excalon was appointed to work closely with TfGM, MPT, Manchester City Council and all the utility companies to create and install innovative ‘multi-utility’ trenches/ductings and put in place appropriate global traffic management facilities.

The complexity of the diversionary and relocation works, being in the heart of the City Centre, through conservation areas, presented many other unique challenges and obstacles, which necessitated close cooperation with the client and all the key stakeholders (TfGM, MPT, MCC, all the utility companies, highway and street works inspectors, police, environment agency, heritage and archaeological personnel, owners and occupiers of commercial, retail and residential premises and others). The decision to install multi-utility ductings and provide associated global traffic management facilities has resulted in the works being undertaken successfully, on schedule and has kept disruption in the City Centre to a minimum.