Blackpool tramway upgrade may feature network extension

Options to extend tramway as far as airport and rail stations to be studied by Steer Davies Gleave and Mott MacDonald

Transport consultants Steer Davies Gleave and Mott MacDonald have been appointed by Blackpool Borough Council to explore options for extending the resort’s tramway system. Currently the tram system is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade through the Fylde Coast transport project.

Options under investigation include examining the integration of the tram with other transport infrastructure in the town and beyond. Also under consideration is extending the tram network to serve Blackpool North railway station and Blackpool Airport. Another option would be the use of tram-train technology to make use of the heavy rail lines out of Blackpool North and Blackpool South railway stations.

Steer Davies Gleave would provide the transport planning advice for the study with Mott MacDonald acting as engineering and design consultant.

Paul Grocott, Blackpool’s programme manager for the existing upgrade, said that the aim was to have a business case for the preferred option ready by next Easter when the upgrade to the existing tramway network is scheduled for completion. The study is part of the European Union’s Sintropher project on trams.