Trams return to Talbot Road. Photo: LB Photography

(Test) Trams Return to Talbot Road

Leave a Comment / Blackpool Trams, Talbot Gateway, Town Centre, Travel /

The new Talbot Gateway Tram Extension reaches new milestone as trams return to Talbot Road this week. They’re running along the extended section of track between North Pier and the new Blackpool North Tram Hub. Not open to passengers yet – it’s part of a week-long exercise to operationally test the track and signaling equipment. (Above photo: LB Photography)

We’ve covered the redevelopment of this area of Blackpool through the years. Just follow the links for online content, photos and plenty of YouTube videos.

Trams Return to Talbot Road!

Please be vigilant in the area as trams will run in both directions using both sides of the highway. They’re running up to every 10 minutes between 10am – 3pm from 27 June – 3 July 2022.

Trams return to Talbot Road. Photo: LB Photography
Trams return to Talbot Road. Photo: LB Photography

Jane Cole is Managing Director at Blackpool Transport. She said “We’re really excited to see the first of our trams travelling all the way up to the new Transport Hub as part of the testing works. It’s an important step for us as we check that all of the signals and crossings are operating as expected. We’re also making sure that our operating procedure for this section of track is well tested too.”

Don’t get too excited though, there’s still a lot of work to do before you’ll be able to travel on a tram! This is the Phase 2 development of Talbot Gateway, delivered via a 15 year partnership by Blackpool Council and Muse Developments. It’s expected to complete in spring 2023, further enhancing Blackpool’s vibrant central business district.

Cllr Lynn Williams is Leader of Blackpool Council. She said, “It’s exciting to be at the tramway testing stage. This significant step will enable the rest of the works to the underpass and the hotel to be finished. For now though, we’ll have to wait a little while longer to ride the new tramway ourselves. Passenger safety has to be ensured with the hotel and underpass fully complete before the new services can go live. But once open, the new transport connections at the new North Station terminus will completely transform the way we travel around the town.”

A Major Milestone

This milestone is a progressive step in the delivery of the Talbot Gateway Phase 2 project. It will house:

  • an integrated tram and train transport hub,
  • a four star Holiday Inn hotel,
  • Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian diner
  • and new retail units in a bright, modern new underpass linking to Blackpool North train station.

Talbot Gateway is a £220m investment which will improve transport links for residents and visitors to the resort. Residents will enjoy a direct link to shops and leisure activities. Commuters will benefit from quicker journeys to and from Blackpool North Train Station.

The £80m investment in Phase 1 and Bickerstaffe Square is complete. It includes grade A offices, a flagship Sainsbury’s superstore, a gym, retail units, new public realm and an award winning multi-storey car park. A new road layout and modern pavements have helped to transform the once run-down area in the north of the town centre, creating a new vibrant place to work and do business.

Treat for Tram Enthusiasts

This testing phase is an important step in long term plans to improve transport around the Fylde Coast. It’s one of many exciting developments that are taking place all around the town, to better the place for everyone.

And it’s also a real treat for the many local tram and transport enthusiasts! Regular Visit Fylde Coast contributor Barrie C Woods was out on Monday 27 June to record the first day of testing. He kindly sent us some information and these photos to share. Barrie says:

“Flexity2 tram No. 010 was used for this operation. That’s a nice touch as it’s the one liveried in the Platinum Jubilee vinyls. It did several runs up and down Talbot Road utilising each of the crossing points at either end.

Having been held in the North Pier loop for some time, Flexity2 No.010 makes it first tentative move on to the new tracks using the curve from the northbound promenade track. Photo: Barrie C Woods
Having been held in the North Pier loop for some time, Flexity2 No.010 makes it first tentative move on to the new tracks using the curve from the northbound promenade track. Photo: Barrie C Woods
010 pauses at the junction with Dickson Road whilst checks are made to ensure the coordination between the tram signalling system and the traffic lights is fully working to the required safety standards. Note the public interest in this new mode of transport.
010 pauses at the junction with Dickson Road whilst checks are made to ensure the coordination between the tram signalling system and the traffic lights is fully working to the required safety standards. Note the public interest in this new mode of transport.
Due to the new terminus still being classed as a construction site there were limitations on access. However in this rather snatched view No. 010 is safely ensconced at the North Statin Terminus. Photo: Barrie C Woods
Due to the new terminus still being classed as a construction site there were limitations on access. However in this rather snatched view No. 010 is safely ensconced at the North Statin Terminus. Photo: Barrie C Woods

Returning the way that it arrived…

Having successfully negotiated its route into the new Terminus No. 010 returns west towards North Pier. Photo: Barrie C Woods
Having successfully negotiated its route into the new Terminus No. 010 returns west towards North Pier. Photo: Barrie C Woods
At North Pier the tram turns north checking another of the junctions. Photo: Barrie C Woods
At North Pier the tram turns north checking another of the junctions. Photo: Barrie C Woods

Apart from checking the tracks, the signalling and it’s interaction with traffic lights is also being carefully inspected. During these trials, traffic is using Talbot Road normally, and the various junctions along the route.

Prior to the test run, a gang were out clearing the tracks with the aid of a pavement sweeper. Photo: Barrie C Woods
Prior to the test run, a gang were out clearing the tracks with the aid of a pavement sweeper. Photo: Barrie C Woods

Remember this in early 2018? When the age-old tram tracks were revealed in Talbot Road during the first phase of works.

Flashback to April 2018 when the old tracks were revealed during the early stages of the project
Flashback to April 2018 when the old tracks were revealed during the early stages of the project

“Partly due to Covid, the project is now some years behind schedule but the latest proposed opening is in early 2023. Earlier this year, on 22 March, gauging trials took place using two trams.”

More views

Many thanks to Steven Hughes for also sending in his photos of this big event!

Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes
Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes
Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes
Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes
Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes
Tram testing at Talbot Road. Photo: Steven Hughes

While you’re here…

Have a look at the homepage of the Live Blackpool website for more of the latest updates.

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Plus hundreds of videos to watch on our YouTube channel – from all over the Fylde Coast!

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