As another year draws to a close (and another year without trams running up Talbot Road clicks by) there does remain some work taking place at around the new tram terminus as preparations are made for when services do begin.
The much delayed project – with the blame on where it was decided to put the tram terminus which meant it relied on the completion of construction for the hotel and restaurant – should see trams running next year, with Easter mentioned as a possible although no official opening date has been given. One thing which does now have an opening date of sorts is the Holiday Inn which is now accepting booking from next June which has to be a positive sign.
Until then and contractors are continuing works on site. The most recent obvious sign has been the installation of signage at the entrance and exit to the subway.
The subway at the railway station end has this signage to leave people in no doubt would is through the gateway: “NORTH STATION TRAM STOP”. The other side states “BLACKPOOL NORTH TRAIN STATION”. (Photograph by Michael Morton, 12th December 2023)
Nice looking sign though I hope that section of the wall to the right is smartened up. Those stripes have been there since the 1980’s at least!
Shame that railway stations are now called by their American name “train station”, but at least they aren’t called by the alternative American name “depot” yet – but the Blackpool depot is now Tramtown, derived from Toytown. I suppose it might have been Tramsville. What odds are the bookies giving on the Talbot Road extension opening before Dudley?
Tramtown is derived from Showtown, the other ridiculous Blackpool museum.
I had a reply this morning from Blackpool Council re my Freedom OF Information request regarding the delays to the Talbot Rd extension. Operating date:” Likely to be operating sometimes between Easter and May 1st 2024″. Cleaning of rust off tracks at terminus:”Tracks be cleaned before the opening.” Questions about why no weekend working by the contactors to make up for lost time and whether there would be financial penalties for them etc were deemed to be exempt from disclosure.