Work to increase capacity on the Wimbledon branch of London Tramlink with the doubling of the track around Mitcham has now commenced with vegetation clearance now underway. As part of this work it will be necessary for weekend closures between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction with the Easter weekend and two dates in June currently earmarked for this to take place.
As part of Transport for London’s Tramlink upgrade works it is planned to double the track between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction which it is hoped will enable services to travel at higher speeds and also to increase capacity on the Wimbledon branch which often suffers from overcrowding during peak periods.
The line between Mitcham and Mitcham Junction will be closed on 7th and 8th April (Easter weekend), 9th and 10th June and 16th and 17th June to allow more work to take place. These dates have been chosen so as to keep disruption to a minimum. It is currently unclear whether a shuttle service will run on the Wimbledon side of the blockade or whether replacement buses will be in operation between Mitcham Junction and Wimbledon.
Other Tramlink upgrade works currently taking place include work at Therapia Lane Depot where it is necessary to create extra storage space with the Stadler Variotrams currently being delivered to the UK.
Speaking of the Variotrams the first two – numbered 2554 and 2555 – are now in Croydon but have yet to enter passenger service. During a visit to Croydon on 9th March 2554 was stabled at the Depot with its pantograph down whilst 2555 was being tested on the Wimbledon branch. The tram was used on these test runs between around Wandle Park and Wimbledon for most of the day before heading back to Depot later in the day.