Romag glass catches the eye at new Manchester tram stop

High performance shaped architectural glass from Romag has been specified as an eye-catching feature on a new passenger stop completed for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tramway system.

More than 132 sq. m of clear glass laminate has been supplied by Romag for the Exchange Square stop in the city centre, where it will provide an attractive protective canopy for passengers sheltering from the elements.

The final design was specifically produced using 17.5mm toughened heat soaked laminated glass, drilled and shaped.

Designed by architects SimpsonHaugh and Partners, the project is part of Metrolink’s Second City Crossing project, and linked to a £1bn transport investment plan over the next two years.

Installation work was completed in a few days by Warrington-based structural steelwork and architectural metalwork designers and fabricators Shawton Engineering following delivery of the glass to site.

Cllr Jim McMahon, transport lead for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “The new Exchange Square stop is already looking impressive and it will be a great addition to this busy area of the city.”

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester council have opted for the stop’s design because it will make the most of the limited space in Exchange Square, while keeping plenty of room for pedestrians.

As part of the Second City Crossing project, the Deansgate-Castlefield stop has been completely transformed, and work is already underway to build a new tram stop in St Peter’s Square, which is being expanded from two platforms to four and will feature a protective glass canopy. 

Romag safety glass is stringently tested to ensure manufacturing processes meet and exceeds rail industry regulations and expectations including containment post impact, telephone attenuation, pressure pulse testing and small missile impact resistance.