A transport group has shared detailed plans for a £405m tram network across Derby and the surrounding area.
The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) has submitted a proposal for a modern tramway network in the city comprising four tramlines, which could see 75,000 passenger trips each day.
The proposal was compiled by the LRTA's regional officer for the region, David Gibson, in response to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Mayor’s transport consultation.
A spokesperson for the LRTA said the proposed network is designed to connect Derby’s major traffic generators with its principal residential areas, something that would "significantly improve mobility" while supporting "economic growth, regeneration, and environmental objectives" across the wider Derby area.
The LRTA has released some diagrams showing how the network could look (Image: LRTA )
The proposal would see four tram lines constructed, which can be seen below:
Line 1 would run from The Wyvern, via Pride Park, Derby Midland Station, the city centre, and the former Great Northern alignment to Kingsway, before forming a loop serving the Royal Derby Hospital, Mickleover, and Mackworth.
Line 2 would connect with Line 1 at Derby Midland Station, follow the Birmingham railway corridor, and serve the Rolls-Royce Sinfin site, Infinity Park, Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Boulton Moor, Alvaston, and Raynesway, before reconnecting with Line 1 at The Wyvern.
Line 3 would branch from Line 1 at Willow Row, run through the West End to the University of Derby sites in the Markeaton area, serve the Kedleston Road campus, and continue to a loop around Allestree.
Line 4 would run from The Wyvern and connect with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) at Toton Lane, serving Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston, and Long Eaton.
The LRTA expects the majority of the expected 75,000 daily passengers to come from former car users, adding that the shift to tram travel would help ease congestion and rejuvenate Derby city centre.
It added: "A well-designed and well-executed tram system of this scale would be significantly cheaper than the reported £650 million A38 Derby Junctions road scheme, while delivering far greater benefits in terms of economic productivity, accessibility, and environmental performance.
"Modern tram systems are among the most environmentally efficient forms of urban transport.
"Steel wheels running on steel rails have far lower rolling resistance than road vehicles, resulting in inherently low energy consumption.
"When powered by renewable electricity, trams operate with zero tailpipe emissions and avoid the non-exhaust particulate pollution associated with tyre and road wear, which is increasingly recognised as a serious public health issue.
"International experience also shows that trams are particularly effective at encouraging people to switch from car travel."
