For the first time, daylight trials are now under way across both of Nottingham’s new tram lines in a major step forward for the network expansion project.
Following a series of successful night-time tests, trams are being tested during the day in Beeston and Chilwell and through to NET’s new park and ride site at Toton from today.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, said: “Seeing trams being tested in daylight along the entire length of the new line to Toton Lane Park and Ride site is, obviously, a significant step forward.
“I know that people in Beeston and Chilwell have had a difficult time while major tram works have been taking place, but seeing trams travelling along the entire Chilwell route over major city landmarks like the QMC Viaduct, and Ningbo Friendship Bridge over the Ring Road and now today through Beeston Town Centre and Chilwell High Road does show just how close we now are to seeing the benefits that the expanded tram network will bring. These are exciting times.
“The brand-new Toton Lane Park and Ride site will make it much easier to get in and out of the city from the M1 and the A52, helping to reduce congestion when services start providing a fast, reliable, high-tech tram service into Nottingham for those travelling into the city from the south-west.”
Meanwhile, on Monday, children and teachers from Eskdale Junior School and the neighbouring Alderman Pounder Infant School and Nursery are being invited to take a close-up look at a tram which will be stationed at the Eskdale Drive stop in Chilwell.
The exercise follows the success of a similar event held earlier in the year when testing took place on Wilford Toll Bridge.