THE multi-million pound development of the Metrolink network has taken its first major step forward since the announcement earlier this year that £640 million has been secured for the scheme.

The funding is being used to build three new Metrolink lines and make major improvements to the existing network.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has appointed a contractor to replace nearly 20 miles of worn-out track on the Altrincham and Bury lines. Carillion Construction Ltd will carry out the work next summer.

GMPTE's interim director general, David Leather, said: "The track on the Bury and Altrincham lines is more than 50 years old in some places and is rapidly approaching the end of its natural life. It's noisy for residents and uncomfortable for passengers. It's also making the service unreliable as the Metrolink vehicles need frequent repairs.

"We're planning to carry out the work to replace track on the Bury and Altrincham lines during next summer when fewer people will be using the Metrolink network. We'll be replacing the track in sections so that as much of the system can remain open as possible.

"I hope passengers will bear with us while the work takes place as it will lead to a major benefit for the network. Journeys on Metrolink will be much smoother and more reliable once it's complete."

A total of £102 million is being invested on the improvements to the existing Metrolink network, which also include new ticket machines, stop upgrades and the introduction of eight new trams during 2009.

Work to replace track on the Altrincham line is scheduled to start in July and to be finished by the end of August.

Work on the Bury line is due to begin in May and to be completed by the end of September.

GMPTE will provide replacement bus services for Metrolink customers while the work takes place.

Work to build three new Metrolink lines to Chorlton in South Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale and Droylsden in Tameside, and is due to start in 2008.

In July next year, Greater Manchester will submit a bid to the Government's Transport Innovation Fund to secure funding for a package of measures to improve public transport across Greater Manchester.

The bid will include plans to continue the Metrolink expansion to Manchester Airport, Ashton-under-Lyne and East Didsbury, as well as into Oldham and Rochdale town centres.

When both phases of the expansion are complete, Greater Manchester's Metrolink network will cover nearly 60 miles, making it the biggest light rail system in the UK.