This is the first time that the trams will run.
Blackpool residents have spent the past couple of years watching the seaside town transform as part of the ongoing Talbot Gateway Project. Recently Blackpool said goodbye to Wilkos and its neighbouring car park in September 2020 as part of the ongoing masterplan.
Part of Phase Two is the new £23.4m tram link to Blackpool North train station. The existing tramway will be further extended from the corner of Dickson/Talbot Road, through the site to a new North Station terminus.
Whilst the construction of the tramway has been ongoing in the background for some time, this week residents and visitors alike will get a glimpse of what the tramway will look like when it’s operational.
This week, there will be trams running every 10 minutes as signalling tests are performed on the new track. Blackpool Transport has confirmed there will be no road closures whilst the tests take place.
Once open, the new tram route will connect Blackpool North train station to the Promenade, giving a direct link to shops, hotels and leisure attractions, as well as easier commuting for residents, workers and visitors.
A statement from Blackpool Transport said: “From Monday, 27th June, we are testing the extended tramway to Blackpool North Station. Trams will run along the extended section of track along Talbot Road between North Pier & Blackpool North Tram Hub, as part of a week-long exercise to operationally test the track and signalling equipment.
“For up to seven days, trams will travel every 10 minutes along the route in both directions with testing set to take place from 10:00- 15:00 each day. There will be no road closures and the existing tram service won’t be affected but please take extra care along these new routes during these times. This milestone is a progressive step in the Talbot Gateway project which will house an integrated tram and train transport hub as well as a Holiday Inn hotel and a range of retail and leisure facilities.”
Other parts of Phase Two include a new 4 star Holiday Inn on old Wilko site. A Marco Pierre White restaurant is also set for the same location with a modern underpass under construction linking to Blackpool North railway station.
The restaurant – run by Black and White Hospitality – will be Marco’s New York Italian, reflecting the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple as well as Marco’s passion for classic, simple, authentic food.
- 05:50, 28 JUN 2022
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