Essential engineering and maintenance works are set to take place on Nottingham’s tram network later this month, with improvements to infrastructure designed to enhance safety and improve reliability.
Timed to coincide with the October half-term holidays, usually a quieter time on the network when schools and colleges are closed for the autumn break, the work includes permanent repairs to a section of line near Cator Lane that was damaged by flooding from a burst water main earlier this year.
In the city centre, engineers will also be replacing and upgrading tracks and, at both locations, measures are being put in place to minimise disruption for customers, local businesses, and residents.
The work at Middle Hill, between Old Market Square and the Nottingham Station stops, is set to commence on Sunday, October 22, and last for three days, while the seven-day project at Cator Lane gets underway on Saturday, October 28.
Trevor Stocker, NET Head of Operations, explained: “Throughout these periods, tram tickets will be accepted on buses serving affected areas, as trams will be unable to run on some sections of the network.
“Understandably, there will also be some noise associated with the repairs, but our contractors will have measures in place to minimise any disturbance.”
While the city centre work will see services on all routes suspended between Old Market Square and Nottingham Station, with the temporary closure of the Lace Market stop, the Cator Lane repairs affect Hucknall to Toton Lane services only. On this route, trams will not run between the University of Nottingham and Cator Lane, with temporary closure of stops at University Boulevard, Middle Street, Beeston Centre, Chilwell Road and High Road.
A replacement bus will operate a non-stop service to and from the Toton Lane Park and Ride facility and the University of Nottingham bus stop.
“These vital long-term repairs include the replacement of ballast that was disturbed by the flooding and will ensure the safe operation of the line for many years to come,” Trevor said.
“In advance, we would like to thank customers and anyone else affected by these works for their patience and understanding and to reassure them that we are doing all we can to minimise any inconvenience,” Trevor said.
“A normal tram service across the network is expected to resume on November 4,” he added.
Further information about services affected in the city centre between October 22 and October 24, and on the Toton Lane route between October 28 and November 3, can be found here, together with details of alternative travel arrangements and road closures.