History Merseytram

1 history

1.1 background
1.2 scheme development
1.3 rejection
1.4 efforts @ revival

history
background

unlike merseytram, greater manchester s metrolink incorporates former heavy railways stations network

liverpool had extensive tram network in early-20th century, 1 of advanced in uk. network included large sections of reserved track in centre reservations , side reservations of dual carriageway system developed liverpool city engineer, john brodie. brodie understood ordinary railway sleeper track less expensive road tram track , thereby justified increased width of new roads. reservations allowed trams by-pass road congestion.

after world war ii, trams fell out of favour , liverpool city council voted scrap system in 1957. controversial decision made casting vote of mayor - protocol requirement in event of hung vote.

during 1960s , 1970s, public transport development in liverpool concentrated on integration , expansion of dispersed urban rail lines complete rapid transit network bored tunnels , stations in centre serving large part of city , merseyside. resulting metro-like network called merseyrail. 1 of main proposals creation of outer rail loop electrification of former passenger route through eastern suburbs, 6 platform underground interchange station @ broad green, , using existing lines in west of city. proposal unsuccessful due financial problems , political opposition. eastern section of outer loop not built leaving eastern districts of city unserved.

in mid 1990s, new proposal formulated serve eastern suburbs remote rail network. known mrt, mersey rapid transit , have consisted of articulated electric trolley buses using electronic guidance system. proposed route city centre page moss via mount pleasant.

the scheme rejected @ public inquiry - 1 of reasons given being reopening of pedestrianised routes in city centre road vehicles. in response, merseytravel proposed merseytram 3 line system.

unlike greater manchester s metrolink network, used heavy rail lines , stations serving towns around manchester , street running in manchester city centre, merseytram stand-alone 100% street running network. unable build underground rail in city centre after cancellation of picc-vic tunnel scheme, greater manchester designed metrolink mixture of commuter rail , street running trams because of cost constraints tunnels not bored. unlike manchester liverpool has used , unused underground tunnels under city centre. metrolink acted fast commuter rail system on outskirts , street running tram in manchester city centre. merseytram did not use merseyrail track , branch off disconnected parts of city not served rail. neither did merseytram use mothballed tunnels or trackbeds in liverpool area, of city has in abundance. lack of integration merseyrail criticized.

scheme development

the project accepted alistair darling in december 2002. after extensive public consultation, contract build first 2 lines awarded in late 2004, problems tender bid regards best value forced cancellation of contract , reopening of tender process. in april 2005, m-pact consortium named preferred bidder.

on 21 december 2004, merseytram line 1 transport , works act application approved secretary of state. line intended start construction on 1 july 2005 2007 opening.

plans called use bombardier transportation s flexity swift trams.

the tram network had formed part of larger regeneration project in areas in intended run, related liverpool s award of european capital of culture in 2008. in event, need avoid extensive street works during 2008 led half of city centre loop being removed line 1 scheme delivery part of subsequent line two.

rejection

budget first stage of project set @ £225 million, united kingdom government providing £170 million of cost. however, 2005, rising costs had led new requirement of £238 million against cost of £325 million.

the government had refused additions initial amount , asked 2 councils supporting line 1 (liverpool city council , knowsley metropolitan borough council) make agreement not seek additional funding government if project ran on budget.

although attempts meet request made, transport minister derek twigg felt assurances of 2 councils shortfall met merseytravel , £24 million contingency fund insufficient , cancelled scheme on 29 november 2005.

efforts @ revival

at beginning of 2008, fresh hopes of tram project resurfacing raised. keolis have been operating trams originally, confirmed still on board , in ongoing talks merseytravel.

from 1 october 2008, new health , safety regulations applied light rail (trams) heavy rail (trains) meaning required safety levels became higher , more expensive.

on 18 april 2008, new bid funds requested department transport, seemingly considerably keener on idea of trams on merseyside. high hopes long-awaited project on track raised further announcement, few days later, new business case line 1 submitted dft in second half of 2008.

it published local press in may 2008 if everton football club s relocation kirkby, outside liverpool, granted planning permission, merseytram more go ahead. however, in november 2009, everton football club s proposed stadium @ kirkby rejected.

in november 2009, merseytravel given permission local councils seek new funding department transport, making £450 million project become on track.