Croydon Tramlink Split in two

[MikeWh]

Following Monday nights trouble in Croydon, the trams are being run in two sections: Wimbledon to Reeves Corner and East Croydon to Elmers End/Beckenham Junction/New Addington. The depot is in the Wimbledon bit at Therapia Lane. Does anyone know where the trams for the other legs are stored overnight? Also, will there be any maintenance issues if the two sections cannot be reconnected soon? Indeed, what is the extent of the damage to the infrastructure?

 

[ChrisCooper]

From seeing the fire on the news I imagine the overhead is gone and likely the overhead masts and track are damaged too due to the heat. At the height of the fire the heat was such that the dirt in the grooves on the rails seemed to be burning, giving the effect of the rails themselves being on fire. This included a junction so I imagine the points and equipment could be damaged. Tram signals in the area and perhaps lineside equipment may be damaged too. I've had close personal experiance with a big fire when a recycling plant near here went up in flames and lighting poles and fencing around the site were damaged, despite being a couple of feet from where the actual fires way.

 

[MikeWh]

Thanks for that, Chris. It sounds like it might be a while before full services are resumed. They must be fortunate that several trams were east of Croydon when it broke out otherwise they'd be stuck.

 

[robvulpes]

The depot is in the Wimbledon bit at Therapia Lane. Does anyone know where the trams for the other legs are stored overnight?

When access to the depot from the eastern side of the system has been unavailable due to track renewals, trams have been stabled in the open (with security staff) on the short Elmers End branch. I believe that's what might be happening at the moment, as the TfL website seems (rather badly worded) to suggest that service on that branch is starting late and finishing early.

<http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/trams/default.html>

Rob

 

[bus man]

I suspect the priority will be to get one line open/ safe so they can get trams to depot for service - I preseme that they have diesel unimogs which can tow trams

 

[Mike395]

According to TfL, the full route is now open again as of 11 this morning

 

[bicbasher]

And it'll be free to travel on next weekend, although I wonder how they'll let passengers leave Wimbeldon with the barriers? It's already a complex issue for Oyster Bus & Tram pass holders and PAYG.

http://www.london.gov.uk/media/pres...on-bounce-back-and-mayor-calls-londoners-supp