In Pictures: Nottingham Express Transit Phase Two testing reaches ng2

Early on the morning of Wednesday 3rd December a significant step was taken in the testing and commissioning of Nottingham Express Transit’s Phase Two line to Beeston and Chilwell with the first test runs of a tram as far as ng2. Although only a small part of the final route (ng2 is two stops from Nottingham Railway Station) the significance of these test runs should not be underestimated and will hopefully signify the start of a major period of testing and commissioning of the route ahead of its opening during 2015.

Citadis 223 – which has yet to answer passenger service – was the vehicle chosen to undertake the test runs and it was just after midnight when it made its way past the temporary buffer stops at Station Street and then onto the Karlsruhe Friendship Bridge. Previously any tests onto Phase Two had run onto the Clifton route but this time when 223 got to the junction between the two lines it accessed the Chilwell line becoming the very first tram to run on this section of track. During the early hours of the morning the tram made four runs as far as ng2 (passing the stop at Meadows Way West) initially run at 5kph to ensure everything was as it should be before gradually increasing to line speed. This is just the first stage of a comprehensive testing and commissioning process on the line which should gradually increase over the coming months, especially now that the trackwork has been completed on the line to Chilwell (with the Clifton line also expected to be finished soon).

Cllr Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, said: “The coming of the NET Phase Two trams will be a massive boost for all the employees and also employers on Nottingham’s premier business park. It means we are on the brink of delivering one of the key transport priorities that businesses told us they most wanted. These overnight tests of trams along the new route to ng2 are another important indicator that the contractors are completing the construction works and moving on to the next stage of testing and commissioning. “We do acknowledge that tram works have been disruptive to businesses and commuters in the ng2 area, but with construction coming to an end, we can anticipate the coming of fast, clean, reliable and eco-friendly trams that will make the daily commute easier and quicker for everyone working there.”

And we certainly can’t wait until Nottingham Express Transit Phase Two is ready to open for business!

223 becomes the first of the Nottingham fleet to work onto the line to Toton. Currently testing is taking place to just short of the ng2 stop at Enterprise Way.

223 approaches the Meadows Way West tram stop

223 departs from the Meadows Way West stop

With the Police blocking Queens Drive to ensure safe passage, the tram swings across the highway to enter the reserved section alongside ng2 Business Park.

223 cautiously navigates the stop on Meadows Way, while en route to Station Street, during the first night of test running.

223 passes the distinctive Experian building at ng2 on the second run.

Having reached the limit of current operations, just short of the ng2 stop, 223 prepares to use the crossover and return to Station Street. (All Photos: Railway Herald/ImagesUnite)