PLANS for a major revamp of the Altrincham tram line are rolling forward.

A total of £3.5m of improvements are due to be made, including repairs to the overhead wires and track, improved facilities at the tram stops, refurbished lifts and canopies, new ticket machines, and more parking spaces.

The majority of work will be carried out in August when the whole of the Altrincham line will be closed for the month with replacement bus services running.

New trams will also be introduced and all the trams on the line will be twice as long – four carriages – in a bid to reduce crowding at busy times.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has announced that the initial plans have been finalised, and it will now be inviting bids from companies interested in taking on the work.

David Powell, programme manager for Metrolink, said: "We have reached the point where we are ready to go out the market and get quotes.

"We had a fantastic response to our initial invitation for expressions of interest, with over 70 responses.

"We will be selecting a company to do the work as quickly as possible, as we need to get started at the beginning of August. We are confident the planned works can be completed within a month."

Councillor Matthew Colledge, chairman of GMITA and leader of Trafford Council, added: "As well as modernising the stops, these extensive refurbishments will transform the look of the lines as the fresh new Metrolink identity is introduced."

Up to £1.5m will be invested in the Altrincham Interchange, which has been the focus of community concern due to its run down state. The interchange is set to benefit from a new CCTV system, better lighting, improved access for disabled passengers, and new paving.