Date set for opening of Blackpool’s tram extension

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Date set for opening of Blackpool’s tram extension

Blackpool’s brand new £23m extension to the tramway is now complete and a date has been set for the first passenger carrying trams to travel on the new route.

Rumble of trams

For the first time since 1963, Talbot Road will be vibrating to the rumble of trams with the link connecting Blackpool North railway station to the existing track along the promenade set to start carrying fare-paying passengers. This is a very historic occasion for the town, although it comes on the back of delays lasting several years due to a combination of factors such as Covid-19 and redevelopment of adjacent sites.

Local residents

The first tram will travel along the newly-completed line on 12th June and this will include local residents who have entered and won a competition, while there will also be officials taking their place on the tram.

Very much to plan

Blackpool Transport have been busy carrying out tests on the new line for the past few months and things have gone very much to plan with no problems encountered. The new line extension is to be fully operational in time for the busiest period of the year and it is just a small part of a greater regeneration of the Talbot Road area which includes Talbot Gateway and Blackpool North station redevelopment area.

Investment programme

The tramway extension has been funded by Blackpool Council with around £16.4m being funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal. Blackpool is in the midst of a £2bn investment programme which will see a wealth of new development and increased employment opportunities.