Monday 2nd November saw London Tramlink return to Wimbledon station following completion of the work to extend the platform length to allow two trams to be in situ at any one time. Tramlink services had been terminating at Dundonald Road since 13th July whilst the work was undertaken.
Tramlink now have access to the entire length of platform 10 instead of just the southern section nearest to the station exit with a second track installed alongside the platform enabling one tram to in effect go around another if two are in the station at the same time (and yes I’m aware that description probably confuses you more than it helps!) The platform nearest the exit is now known as platform 10a with the newer section known as 10b. For now it is expected that only platform 10a will be used for normal service.
An opening ceremony took place during mid-morning on Monday 2nd November. The ceremony took place on platform 10b using new Stadler 2560 which has received a new livery (see separate story) although at this stage the Variobahn had not entered revenue earning service.
With the new platform now in place it will be possible for Tramlink services on the Wimbledon branch to operate at a higher frequency. An extra four trams an hour will start to run from spring 2016 and it for this reason that the new Stadler trams were ordered.
2533 stands at platform 10a - the original section of Tramlink platform. Note the track to the left.
2560 at the new platform 10b ready for the opening ceremony.
A view of the new arrangement at Wimbledon. This is platform 10a with the passing track alongside to give access to platform 10b. (All Photographs by Ian Buck)
Although the civils are complete at Wimbledon the tram signals have not yet been commissioned. Thus only platform 10a is in normal use, and a member of staff has to protect the single line section.