There has been some disruption to the Blackpool tramway’s southern terminus at Starr Gate this week, with a short section of the northbound running line closed at this end of the line on 19th & 20th December. During this time some essential track maintenance has been taking place, with some rail grinding seemingly being carried out.
As a result of this work, trams have been forced to load passengers on the southbound platform (normally used for unloading only of course), and then proceed north on the wrong line for a short distance. Just past the depot gates, a crossover is located and this enables northbound trams to transfer onto the correct line and continue as normal. To ensure that no trams meet head on whilst these moves are in place, a short token section has been introduced with tram crews required to collect a wooden token to enter the affected section. There may have been a £100 million upgrade to the Blackpool tramway, but it seems that some things never change and certain rather antiquated practices continue to be revived on occasions such as this!
With the Council track gang present and the southbound running line blocked off, Flexity 001 passes Starr Gate depot 'bang line' towards the crossover where it will transfer onto the northbound track to continue its journey to Fleetwood.
002 pauses just south of Starr Gate whilst its driver collects the single line staff in order to proceed towards the terminus. (Photos by Chris Callan)