Most of the time when we report about the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre (VLRIC) in Dudley its because another West Midlands Metro tram has gone there for repairs but it shouldn\u2019t be forgotten that the facility was actually built for a different reason \u2013 and that is for the development of new technology in regards to Very Light Rail. This purpose has come to the forefront recently with a major milestone reached in the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project as the prototype vehicle has been successfully run on its test track.<\/p>\n
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The Coventry Very Light Rail project is backed by \u00a340 million of funding from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). This cash is being used to progress the research and development to deliver an integrated mass transit system which is also affordable and could be deployed in various cities across the country. Its been developed by a number of West Midlands organisations including Coventry City Council, Transport for West Midlands, WMG at the University of Warwick and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation.<\/p>\n
The idea behind the project is that it will enable rapid passenger tram systems to be installed faster and at a much lower cost than traditional light rail systems. It features a battery powered vehicle and a revolutionary track system. The innovative track is thinner than standard track and because of this can be laid just 30cm deep into the road surface, reducing the need to divert for all utility diversions (often a cause of delays and increased costs).<\/p>\n
A test track using this revolutionary track has been installed at the VLRIC which includes a tight curve and a 250 metre vertical hump; both of these are significant challenges for traditional slab track constructions and are one reason why tram systems take so long to build and are expensive. As if to prove this point its been revealed that Galliford Try only took a matter of weeks to lay this test track.<\/p>\n
Instrumentation has also been installed to allow vibration, sound and stresses produced by the vehicle to be monitored and to demonstrate how the track form in conjunction with the novel features of the CVLR vehicle reduces vibration and sound compared to normal tram systems.<\/p>\n
The development work taking place at the VLRIC is leading up to a real-world demonstration of VLR on the streets of Coventry City Centre.<\/p>\n
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA (who also help to fund the VLRIC), said: \u201cBy investing in – and supporting the development of – Very Light Rail in Coventry and Dudley, we\u2019re placing our region right at the forefront of what is a tremendously innovative technology. It\u2019s yet another wonderful example of the industry and ingenuity for which the West Midlands is deservedly known. I look forward to seeing this technology progress from the workshop to real world application in the months and years ahead. As VLR picks up pace, we\u2019ll be able to further reduce traffic congestion and improve our air quality – offering a convenient and sustainable transport option for local people to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Jim O\u2019Boyle, Coventry City Council\u2019s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, was also present for the first tests: \u201cIt was fantastic to see the vehicle running on its track for the very first time. This track is crucial to our vision and this successful test is a big milestone for the project. The track is unique; it\u2019s specifically designed to be installed more quickly and more easily than the tracks used by other light rail systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis test will also show that our vehicle is able to run on tight corners and up and down hills \u2013 it\u2019s this that will enable it to run in smaller and medium sized cities. But there is no reason a traditional tram couldn\u2019t run on it too \u2013 making delivery of trams more affordable.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoventry Very Light Rail is pioneering \u2013 with the potential to create new jobs and tackle climate change by providing people with a zero-emission mode of travel. This is Coventry doing what it does best. We led the industrial revolution here in Coventry and now, with fantastic projects like this, we are leading the green industrial revolution too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of the time when we report about the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre (VLRIC) in Dudley its because another West Midlands Metro tram has gone there for repairs but it shouldn\u2019t be forgotten that the facility was actually built … Continue reading