An extension of Nottingham’s tram network to Clifton and Beeston will not be ready for passengers until 2015, contractor Taylor Woodrow Alstom has said.
The project was due to open in December but complications in extension’s construction have pushed that date back to early 2015.
The first of 22 new Citadis trams were also due to go into service this month on the existing network, that is now expected to happen in August.
In March, the project experienced an unusual setback when work had to be stopped at a site in Poplars Court, Lenton Lane, following the excavation of two skulls.
Paul Harris, the project’s programme manager, has said that major construction works will still be completed by the end of the summer.
Harris said: “There has been speculation recently that construction works might be unduly delayed until next year. Yes, the project has presented some challenges, but we are on target to substantially complete all key infrastructure works over the next two to three months and we are working towards handing the new lines over for passenger services in the first part of 2015.”
Testing is still progressing well, with trials to begin onto the two new lines in the coming weeks as the station bridge is opened.
Harris added: “Testing and commissioning is obviously a vital and complex process in terms of integrating new systems and our focus is on taking the appropriate amount of time to ensure the safety and reliability of the future service.
“We were planning that this phase of work would be completed during December but we have now briefed the City Council that the testing programme is likely to go beyond this point.
“It is by no means unusual for timescales to be adjusted during projects of this size but the most disruptive construction work will soon be complete and increasingly the local community will soon be able to see trams on test along the new routes.”
