First trams tested on iconic station bridge

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The extension of tram services to Chilwell and Clifton has taken another major step forward with the first tram tests on the new bridge over Nottingham Station and into The Meadows.

In the early hours of August 22, a testing team from NET Phase Two construction contractor Taylor Woodrow Alstom drove a tram over the station bridge during the first of a series of night time trials.

Christian Saussier, Alstom Turnkey Operations Manager, explained: This first test marked a significant moment for the project and will lay the foundations for more extensive night time trials over the coming weeks that will see more trams under test on the Line 2 Clifton from Nottingham Station to Wilford.

Once these are complete, we will then commence daytime testing when people will find it easier to enjoy the sight of trams travelling over the railway station using one of the citys most iconic new landmarks, the Karlsruhe Friendship Bridge.

The 104-metre-long, 14.5-metre-wide, 1,100-tonne steel bridge generated national media attention when it was manoeuvred into position last year.  Since this remarkable feat of civil engineering, work has continued on the bridge to lay tracks and install vital communications equipment.

These have had to be thoroughly checked and tested under different conditions over several weeks before trams could travel over the bridge, Christian said. We're delighted that the first trials are now underway.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, Nottingham City Councils Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation, said: This marks another key milestone in the NET Phase Two project to double the size of Nottinghams tram network. People can now enjoy the sight of the new trams as they pass over Nottingham Station bridge and into The Meadows for the very first time.
 
The 22 ultra-modern Citadis trams which are being added to the NET fleet and our refreshed original Bombardier trams will soon be carrying passengers along this extraordinary new route into and out of the city centre.
 
With the two smaller adjoining bridges carrying tram tracks over Station Street and Queens Road, collectively forming the Karlsruhe Friendship Bridge, we have a recurrent reminder of the help and advice which our twin city generously gave us during the formation of Phase Two and Line One.