Oldham and Rochdale Line

The line was re-opened in a modified form as a tramway from 2012 – 2014, as part of Phase 3 of the Metrolink's expansion.

The line runs north-east to Oldham before turning north to Shaw and then north-west to Rochdale.

Near the junction with the Bury Line, a link runs into Queens Road tram depot.

The adjacent track is used by freight trains to the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Depot.

[1] The line then rejoins the former railway trackbed near the eastern edge of the town centre, and runs north, serving stops at Derker and Shaw and Crompton, then turns to the north-west serving Newhey, Milnrow (both converted railway stations), Kingsway Business Park and Newbold (both new tram stops).

Services were extended to Shaw and Crompton on 16 December 2012, and to Rochdale Railway Station on 28 February 2013.

Initial high level feasibility work was undertaken by officials at Transport for Greater Manchester which demonstrated the route is technically possible.

[6] On this line, full route run from East Didsbury – Rochdale Town Centre during all Metrolink operational times.

A tram running on the line between Shaw and Crompton, and Newhey.
The Oldham Loop Line in 2009, shortly before closure and conversion to Metrolink; a Class 142 approaches Shaw and Crompton.
A M5000 tram running through Union Street, on the Oldham town centre line opened in January 2014.