 The metropolitan boroughs of the City of Salford and the City of Manchester border Trafford to the north and east respectively ; the Cheshire East area of Cheshire lies to the south . The geology of South Trafford is Keuper marl with some Keuper <unk> and sandstone , whilst the geology of North Trafford is Bunter sandstone . The River Mersey runs east to west through the area , separating North Trafford from South Trafford ; other rivers in Trafford include the Bollin , the River Irwell , Sinderland Brook , and Crofts Bank Brook . The Bridgewater Canal , opened in 1761 and completed in 1776 , follows a course through Trafford roughly north to south and passes through Stretford , Sale , and Altrincham . The Manchester Ship Canal , opened in 1894 , forms part of Trafford 's northern and western boundaries with Salford . 
