Cornbrook tram stop is a interchange station on the Manchester Metrolink light‑rail network, situated on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. The stop provides connections between the Altrincham, Eccles, East Didsbury, and MediaCityUK lines, and serves as a key node for passengers travelling across the north‑south and east‑west corridors of the system.
Location
The stop lies near the junction of the A56 (Manchester Road) and the River Irwell, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of Manchester city centre. Its entrances are positioned on either side of the canal, with pedestrian bridges providing access to the platforms.
History
- Opening: Cornbrook tram stop opened on 27 April 1992 as part of the original Metrolink phase linking Bury to Altrincham.
- Redevelopment: In 2009, the stop was expanded and reconfigured to accommodate the addition of the Eccles line, which commenced operation on 28 June 2013. The redevelopment introduced a new island platform and improved passenger facilities.
Infrastructure
- Platforms: The station comprises three platforms: two side platforms serving the Altrincham/East Didsbury routes and a central island platform for the Eccles/MediaCityUK services.
- Facilities: The stop is staffed during peak hours, offers ticket vending machines, real‑time service information displays, CCTV surveillance, step‑free access via ramps, and sheltered waiting areas. Bicycle parking is available on both sides of the canal.
Services
- Frequency: During typical weekday daytime operations, trams run at intervals of 6–12 minutes on each line, providing a combined service frequency of approximately 4–6 minutes between Cornbrook and Manchester Victoria.
- Routes: Services include:
- Altrincham – Manchester Airport
- Eccles – Ashton-under-Lyne (via MediaCityUK)
- East Didsbury – Rochdale Town Centre
- MediaCityUK – Piccadilly
- Operating Hours: Services operate from approximately 05:00 am to around 00:30 am, with reduced frequency in the late evening and on Sundays.
Connections
Cornbrook tram stop is integrated with local bus services that operate along Manchester Road, providing onward connections to Salford, Eccles, and Manchester city centre. The proximity to major road corridors also allows for convenient drop‑off and pick‑up of private vehicles.
Ridership
According to figures published by Transport for Greater Manchester, Cornbrook is among the higher‑traffic stops on the Metrolink network, handling several hundred thousand boardings annually, reflecting its role as a major interchange.
Future Developments
Plans announced by Transport for Greater Manchester include potential capacity enhancements to accommodate anticipated increases in passenger demand, though specific projects concerning Cornbrook have not been detailed as of the latest available information.