There will be major changes to the service on the Blackpool Tramway for two weeks starting on Sunday 14th February – including a week without any service at all. These works have been planned for a while and are described as essential. Although there has been some work undertaken since the tramway was upgraded (opening in 2012) this will be the most major work since that time.
The works will be split into two parts:
Sunday 14th February to Saturday 20th February
No trams will run across the whole tramway with passengers asked to use the adjacent no. 1 bus service instead (this will run at an increased frequency with a flat far of £1.90 in place)
Sunday 21st February to Saturday 27th February
Trams will run between Harrow Place (the first stop after the Starr Gate terminus allowing trams to come directly out of depot and into service) and Cabin only. The increased frequency no. 1 bus will continue to operate.
As well as the trackworks, Blackpool Transport have recently announced they have started an internal refurbishment of the Flexity2 trams which had started to become tired after extensive use. It would appear the internal refurbishment is like for like with no major changes anticipated.
I know we are in a Pandemic and ridership is low, but we seem to have a lack of wanting to carry on with British Tramways these days – not just Blackpool. The whole system shuts rather than plan work to include some sort of service continuing. Abroad temporary crossovers, sinle line etc etc.
I’m curious why Harrow Place – presumaby Starr Gate wil be off limits so Trams will turn on the crossover before the stops.
I look forward to photos by folks on their permitted exercise.
Could be that there’s a need to have an all out maintenance blitz – maybe they are finally getting round to welding more of the partially jointed track as such track is unusual in modern tram systems – you won’t generally find it in places like Nottingham and Edinburgh and I doubt there’s much if any remaining on the Manchester Metrolink along old BR sections. I think such a move would be welcome in select locations where the line runs closest to residential property, such as between Cleveleys and Rossall Beach and between Rossall School and Rossall Square. Always beneficial to be a ‘good neighbour’ within the operating environment. Of course, only time will tell, but it will certainly be interesting to see what unfolds.