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Blackpool tramline extension reaches important milestone

Residents and tourists alike have been witnessing Blackpool’s transformation under the continued Talbot Gateway Project, the ongoing masterplan resulting in the departure of Wilkos and the adjacent car park in order to make way for the exciting new development. The next phase of the plan is the new tram link through to Blackpool North railway station at an estimated cost of £23.4 million, the existing line being extended from Talbot Road/Dickson Road to a new terminus at the railway station.

The construction has been underway for some time but an important milestone has now been reached. Residents and visitors will be given a glimpse of what the new tramway extension will be like once operational with trams running along the route every 10 minutes this week as signalling tests take place on the new track. The council has confirmed that no roads will be closed for the duration of the testing.

Once fully operational, the tram extension will provide visitors arriving by train into Blackpool North with a direct link to the promenade and the businesses and attractions along the seafront.

A Blackpool Transport statement read: “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.”