Nottingham’s tram network is set to double in size with a similar boost to the tram fleet after funding was agreed.
Work on the five mile extension to Clifton and the six mile route to Beeston starts soon. The new services should be running by 2014.
Tramlink Nottingham has taken over the running of the railway on 16th December and will be responsible for building the new lines.
The consortium includes Vinci Investments, Alstom, Keolis, Wellgrade, Meridiam and OFI Infravia. The DfT will contribute £371 million of the £570 million needed to complete the scheme.
Nottingham City Council plans to raise most of the rest through the Workplace Parking Levy, a scheme that charges employers based in the city a fee for providing 11 or more car parking places for employees.
The 22 new Citadis trams will complement the 15 Incentro trams already in service.
Says transport minister Norman Baker, ‘I am delighted that we are able to finally approve funding so that construction of Phase Two of the tram system can begin. Line One of the Nottingham tram has proved to be a great success in encouraging people onto public transport.
‘These extensions provide the opportunity to build on that success, and give people in the south of Nottingham quicker, more convenient access to the city centre as well as providing an alternative means of accessing the city centre for people commuting by car.’
Advanced works including utility diversions start over the next few weeks with the main tramway construction starting in March.
