Blackpool tramway to be given £100m upgrade
10 June 2009 11:27
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Newly appointed Transport Minister Sadiq Khan has announced the Blackpool to Fleetwood tramway is to get a £100m upgrade.
The Department for Transport is investing £68.3m into the scheme with Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council adding a further £33.4m of investment.
The scheme will include:
- 16 new 'super trams', costing £2m each, covering the 11-mile Blackpool to Fleetwood tramway
- Replacement track
- Extra stops
- A new tram depot
- Improved journey times
- Accessibility of the tramway for all passengers
The investment is aimed at building on the current regeneration of Blackpool whilst improving access to the Fylde Coast.
The tramway, which is owned by Blackpool Council, has been operating since 1885 and runs from the town along the Fylde Coast into Lancashire, serving Cleveleys and Fleetwood.
Blackpool's heritage trams will continue to run in front of the tower on the central section when the fleet of new 'super trams' are operating by 2012.
