Blackpool explores tram extensions

Blackpool Borough Council is exploring options to extend its tramway system.

Paul Grocott, Blackpool’s programme manager for the existing tramway upgrade, said the Fylde Coast transport project was examining how to integrate the tram with other transport infrastructure “in the town and beyond”.

Options under investigation include extending the tram lines to serve Blackpool North railway station and Blackpool Airport, as well as the potential of tram-train technology to make use of the heavy rail lines out of either Blackpool North or Blackpool South railway stations. Consultant Steer Davies Gleave is providing the transport planning advice for the study and Mott MacDonald is acting as engineering and design consultant. Grocott said the aim was to have a business case for the preferred option ready next Easter when the upgrade to the existing tramway is scheduled for completion.

The study is part of the EU Sintropher project on trams. (Sustainable Integrated Tram-based Transport Options for Peripheral European Regions)

Sintropher is a five-year transnational cooperation project with the aim of enhancing local and regional transport provision to, from and within five peripheral regions in North-West Europe.   

LTT is organising a Sintropher conference on 25 May.