Blackpool Council have recently released a new brochure giving details of the plans for the much-discussed extension of the tramway to serve the North Station, via Talbot Road. This includes some very convincing mock-up images showing Flexity trams in the town centre, giving a tantalising glimpse of what is to come!<\/p>\n
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The leaflet includes detailed explanations of what form the extension will take; using the two-way double track junction installed at North Pier as part of the tramway upgrade works, trams will be able to divert from the promenade at this key location and head inland towards Talbot Square. The area would be remodelled to segregate trams and other road traffic, and a tram stop would be provided in the square itself, with the existing pedestrian signals on the promenade being replaced by a new signalled intersection to control the flow of vehicles. The line itself would consist of double track running up Talbot Road in the centre of the highway, and in the vicinity, Topping Street would become a one-way street to reflect the addition of trams to the area. Here the trams will share the road with other traffic and parking bays will also be retained.<\/p>\n
To access the new terminus, trams would be given their own exclusive lane heading into the Talbot Gateway site currently occupied by the Wilkinson’s building, which is expected to be demolished allowing the tram stop to take its place – a move which should be welcomed as this building is generally considered to be something of an eyesore, and not exactly an ideal first impression of the town for visitors arriving by train. Crucially, the terminus would be close to and level with the underpass at the railway station, meaning access between trams and trains without any steps.<\/p>\n
It has also been confirmed that trams leaving North Station would alternate between heading north to Bispham, and south to Pleasure Beach, indicating that it will not be possible (at least initially) to catch a tram to the far ends of the current tramway. Whilst this may be a disapointment, it simply would not be possible to do this without having to purchase more trams than the two that are planned, which financially cannot be justified, at least for the time being! Trams are expected to operate to a similar frequency as on the promenade route, currently every 10 minutes, and this would also create a much improved level of service along the popular Pleasure Beach to Bispham section.<\/p>\n
If all goes to plan, the scheme will be submitted to the Secretary of State this summer with a decision expected within 12 months. It should also be certain by 2017 whether the expected funding from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership will definitely be available. It is hoped that actual construction works will be able to start in early 2018, with tram services to the station commencing in April 2019.<\/p>\n
More information on these exciting plans will be released to the public domain over time, with an exhibition at Blackpool’s Central Library providing more detail. Anyone wishing to give feedback on the scheme is encouraged to write to the Transport Policy Team, PO Box 17, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1LZ or by email to TramwayExtension@blackpool.gov.uk. You can also find out more about the extension plan and download the aforementioned impressive brochure at www.blackpool.gov.uk\/TramwayExtension.<\/p>\n
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Blackpool Council have recently released a new brochure giving details of the plans for the much-discussed extension of the tramway to serve the North Station, via Talbot Road. This includes some very convincing mock-up images showing Flexity trams in the … Continue reading