The Arch has landed

This is a bit of a follow on from Monday's blip, and is a record shot.

The Ordsall Chord arch was lifted onto the new bridge deck yesterday. It will be welded to the concrete supports this weekend.

Over the Easter period Trinity Way will be closed for two weeks and traffic diverted. This will allow a bridge deck to be put in place over the ring road.

In June the "swoosh" bit of the structure will be added, connecting the curved arch and the horizontal structure over the road.

The whole thing will be commissioned in November, and from December 10th - when the new rail timetable comes into operation - trains will be travelling along here. Some places will suddenly find they have a direct connection to Manchester Airport, whilst capacity will be released at Piccadilly for local trains. 

At least - that seems to be the plan.