The future of the Douglas Horse Tramway and just where the tracks should be going forward never seems to be far from the news on the Isle of Man and the latest instalment of this apparent never ending saga has seen the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) confirm that they fully intend to move the tramway off the road and onto the Promenade walkway \u2013 a move which is bound to cause controversy.<\/p>\n
The Horse Tramway has run along the centre of the Promenade road for 139 years \u2013 although admittedly when it first ran there wasn\u2019t as much traffic about as there is today! \u2013 but with major reconstruction works now required the chance is to be taken to move the line and as far as the DoI are concerned the walkway is the best place for it.<\/p>\n
Phil Gawne MHK, Infrastructure Minister, said: \u201cThe Department has assessed a vast range of redevelopment options and listened to feedback from the public, businesses and special interest groups. We believe our preferred design represents the best long-term solution to create an improved economic, cultural and social environment. People feel passionately about the horse trams, both for and against, and the location of the tracks has generated a lot of discussion. We have spoken to the operators of the horse trams about various issues and believe the trams can be safely operated in their proposed new location. This option will also enable us to minimise disruption to the horse tram service, to enhance pedestrian movements between the retail area and the Promenade, to improve the general appearance of the Promenade and maximise available on-street car parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is proposed that the tramway will run from the Sea Terminal to Strathallan along a mainly single line which will be situated on the edge of the Promenade walkway. It has been decided that this is the best option as it removes the safety problems of passengers boarding and alighting in the middle of the road and despite many feeling that it brings new safety issues the DoI believe that these are not as serious as has been made out. If the tramway did remain in the centre of the road it would be likely that no horse trams would be able to run for five years!<\/p>\n
The Department are now going to submit amended planning drawings which incorporate a single horse tram track located almost entirely where the pavement currently runs adjacent to the road along Harris, Central and Queen\u2019s Promenades. This is said to increase the area of the walkway by approximately 2,700 square metres, inclusive of the tram corridor.<\/p>\n
Obviously there are still going to be many who are unhappy with the fact the department are determined to go ahead with these plans both those who want to keep the status quo and those who want to see the horse trams gone for good. But hopefully we have now reached a final outcome and work can start as soon as possible so the finger of uncertainty is no longer hanging over the horse tramway. It is not known what this might mean for the 2016 operating season but at the very least it is likely to mean reduced operations if any trams run at all.<\/p>\n
* The Friends of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway have just launched a brand new website at http:\/\/www.friendsofdbht.org\/<\/a>. The independent volunteer community group was established in September 2014 to help promote and support the continued operation of the tramway and their website provides information on the tramway, trams, horses and much more. They also have a Facebook page at https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/friendsofdbht<\/a> with regular updates from the tramway.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The future of the Douglas Horse Tramway and just where the tracks should be going forward never seems to be far from the news on the Isle of Man and the latest instalment of this apparent never ending saga has … Continue reading