First trams to be tested on Dublin’s new Luas Cross City route

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Alstom's Citadis trams that are to run on the Dublin tram network extension. Credit: Alstom.
Alstom's Citadis trams that are to run on the Dublin tram network extension. Credit: Alstom.
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Testing is to take place on the 5.9km Luas Cross City Line extension in Dublin, Ireland, for the first time this weekend.

The gauge tests will take place across June 17-18 with trams running at speeds of 5-10km/h.

Marshals and engineers from infrastructure contract Sisk Steconfer – a joint venture – will be on hand to ensure the Alstom Citadis trams can fit on north and southbound tracks, that there is sufficient clearance for passing kerbs, platforms and city structures and that the contact between the overhead wires and the pantograph works correctly.

Police officers will also be on hand to stop traffic where required.

On the first day, tests will take place between St. Stephen’s Green, College Green and O’Connell Street stops, and on the second day between Broadstone and Cabra and through the city centre again.

Tests will continue in the summer with services expected to begin on the Green Line extension in December, 2017.

In 2015, Alstom was awarded a contract from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to deliver seven Alstom Citadis trams for the Dublin tram network. The trams were built in La Rochelle, France, and are 55 metres long to offer more capacity during Dublin’s rush hour.

A map of the Dublin tram network extension. Credit: Luas.
A map of the Dublin tram network extension. Credit: Luas.

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