West Mids tram-train work could start in 2014

[sprinterguy]

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/03/21/tram-train-line-work-could-launch-in-2014/

A £100million project to launch a tram-train line taking commuters across the Black Country will be in place by 2014 if plans unveiled in detail today are approved.

The move is expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Hybrid tram-trains, capable of travelling along both light and heavy rail tracks, would run along a defunct freight train route, taking passengers between Stourbridge and Walsall, with stops in Brierley Hill and Dudley town centre. Council chiefs estimate the plans would bring in a minimum £200m boost to the economy.

Cabinet member for transport at Dudley Council Angus Adams today revealed a full business plan had been submitted and was being considered by Network Rail. If approved, work could begin on the project as soon as 2014.

Councillor Adams said: “We believe there is a very strong case for this project to be approved, and are very optimistic. Not only would it bring in millions to the Black Country economy, it would ease pressure on the roads and create a fast passage between areas of the region which don’t have rail links at the moment.

“These tram-trains are being trialled at the moment in Sheffield, and are widely used across Europe already.”

He said the money was expected to come largely from Department for Transport grants, along with contributions from councils. If approved, the tram-trains would share the line with freight trains.

The line would be in operation for an estimated six to 10 years, while councils in the region wait to see whether £289m of funding to extend the Midland Metro will be made available.

Walsall Council’s member for transport, Tom Ansell, said the route would link up with the Lichfield to Aldridge line. “The line passes through a large industrial corridor, so would provide excellent development opportunities and bring jobs into the region.”

Network Rail’s decision on the scheme is expected to be revealed this summer.

Isn't this story jumping the gun a bit in saying that Tram-train trials are currently active between Sheffield and Rotherham? I haven't been keeping tabs on the trial particularly keenly, but I didn't think it had started yet?

It's interesting to see a "link up with the Lichfield to Aldridge line" mentioned, suggesting through running to Aldridge via Walsall, which is a location that has been mooted to have it's heavy rail passenger service reinstated (Not that the story seems to be entirely accurate in it's reporting).

If the tram-train should go ahead and open through to Stourbridge, with on-street running into the town centre does anyone else think it would be prudent to give the Stourbridge Junction-town branch over to tram-train operation, and do away with the shuttle?

 

[142094]

Isn't this story jumping the gun a bit in saying that Tram-train trials are currently active between Sheffield and Rotherham? I haven't been keeping tabs on the trial particularly keenly, but I didn't think it had started yet?

Yes it is. I'm still not 100% convinced by the tram train idea, especially since the UK hasn't got one yet. I know it is popular on the continent but that doesn't necessarily mean that it would have the same sucess over here.

The article says the project costs £100m but will bring a benefit of £200m minimum. Wonder if there has been a feasibility study looking at reopening the freight line for heavy rail passenger use? I don't know the area too well so I'd have to look at it further.

 

[Ivo]

Optimistic, but potentially very good news. For one of my projects that is not related to either rail or Uni, the Dudley route would do wonders.

 

[sprinterguy]

In cases such as this, the adoption of Tram-trains suggests that no-one can really decide what they want from the route: The two main proposals concerning the route that I know are floating about are for a Midland Metro line from Merry Hill shopping centre running north to connect into Midland Metro line 1 at Wednesbury, and for the reopening of the entire route as a strategic heavy freight artery. The tram-train scheme seems to be stuck somewhere in the middle, as if no-one dares stick their neck out to make a decision firmly in favour of light rail or heavy rail. The tram-train scheme retains the main benefit of the Midland Metro proposal, which is for on-street running through Dudley town centre, whereas the original heavy rail alignment dives underneath in a tunnel, which would be hopeless for promoting the visibility of a re-instated passenger service which is one of the main lessons learned from Midland Metro Line 1 and it’s termination in a hole in the ground at Snow Hill that not even a number of residents of the West Midlands know about. At the same time, tram-train operation may safeguard the route for a possible use by freight alongside the light rail service.

I’m glad to see that sense has been seen and the full north-south corridor from Walsall to Stourbridge is being considered: The original Midland Metro scheme seemed daft to me in finishing at Wednesbury when it was so close to the major district centre of Walsall, which sees a healthy traffic to Merry Hill. I am glad to see that there is hope for the route: The line is mothballed in a similar fashion to the Leamside line, but the alignment is in a much worse condition and the only way that the line can be resurrected IMO is to clear everything away and start from a blank canvas to move away from any preconceptions of what the route has been in the past and how it can be best harnessed to meet present day demands: The tram-train proposal is making steps in the right direction, even if it isn’t perfect.