UK: Transport for Lancashire has included the construction of a branch of the Blackpool tramway from the North Pier to Blackpool North station in its list of transport investment priorities.
TfL brings together Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. A contribution of £16·4m towards the estimated £18·2m cost has been allocated from funding which the Department for Transport is to provide to local authorities from 2015-16. The project is still subject to detailed scoping and review, and would require government approval.
'Extending the tramway to Blackpool North station to create a fully integrated transport system, extending right into the heart of Blackpool town centre, would be a very welcome step forward for residents and tourists alike', said Councillor John Jones, Blackpool Council's Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport.
Provision for the proposed branch was made during the extensive modernisation of the tramway which was completed last year.
