Manchester Airport Metrolink tram line completed early

Testing of the line will begin on Monday

Construction of a tram line to Manchester Airport has been completed over a year early, the city's transport executive has said.

The nine-mile (14.5km) line, which runs to the airport via Wythenshawe from Chorlton, was due to open in 2016.

However, Transport for Greater Manchester said "early delivery" of other lines had allowed work on it to be brought forward.

Testing of the line, which should open by December, will begin on Monday.

Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester City Council, described the opening of the line as "a tremendous boost" for the city.

"For Wythenshawe, it will be a pivotal moment in the town's regeneration [and] for the airport, it will provide another attractive transport option."

The construction of the line, which also passes through Northern Moor, Baguley and Benchill, has seen the building of a viaduct over the Mersey Valley and two bridges over the M60 and M56.

The 15-stop service will also see a 300-space park and ride facility opened at Sale Water Park.