Story Contracting has completed a major programme of structural works on the Whitefield Tunnel in Greater Manchester,, supporting Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) in the delivery of a critical infrastructure project on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The tunnel, which dates back to 1876 and sits beneath a key section of the Bury Metrolink line, was found to have a fractured iron support beam during a routine inspection in 2021. The discovery prompted an immediate response to ensure the safety of the tram network and surrounding infrastructure.
Working as KAM’s contracting partner, Story Contracting led the delivery of the complex engineering programme, which included:
- Installation of a temporary support structure to maintain tram operations during the early phases of the project.
- Diversion of complex utilities, including gas, water, electricity, and fibre optic cables, to enable safe access to the tunnel.
- Replacement of the tunnel’s roof beams with new precast concrete structures to ensure long-term resilience.
- Environmental management, including the discovery and protection of a bat roost, which required a formal licence from Natural England and careful scheduling to comply with wildlife legislation.
- Final reinstatement of the landscaped area above the tunnel, which had been fenced off since 2021.
The beam replacement was completed in early November 2025, with final reinstatement and landscaping works due to conclude in early 2026.
Ian Davies, Metrolink Network Director, said: “Replacing beams in a tunnel dating back to the Victorians was never going to be a simple task and the close proximity of nearby electricity, gas, fibreoptic and water mains and the nearby road only added to the complex nature of the work.
“Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we’ve been able to complete this work on time and get trams back running through the tunnel and back between Bury and the city centre.
“Thanks to everyone involved in this project for their efforts and our passengers for their patience this week while the delivery team got the job done.”
Dan Smithson, Head of Operations (North West) at Story Contracting, added: “We’re proud to have played a key role in safeguarding this essential piece of infrastructure. Our team worked tirelessly to overcome the unique challenges of this project, from Victorian-era engineering to environmental sensitivities, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of the works.”
This project forms part of TfGM’s wider £150 million investment in tram infrastructure improvements across the region through to 2027, aimed at enhancing reliability, safety, and passenger experience.
