Trams running again at Crich Tramway Village
Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum, is pleased to announce that following some essential safety work, the vintage trams are running again, and the museum is excited to welcome visitors, old and new, back for the summer visits.
The Derbyshire attraction has not been able to open all facilities, including tram operation, since 18th May this year, following a visit on Tuesday 17th May by an inspection team from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Two traction poles, which hold up the overhead line in the depot area, had become corroded and were deemed to be a safety risk and hence the tram depots, main Exhibition Hall and children’s soft play area were cordoned off.
New traction poles had to be sourced and were kindly donated by NET operator, Nottingham Trams Limited who were quick to offer both support and the urgently needed replacement poles, known as masts.
Specialist contractors, Pod-Trak Ltd., were engaged to undertake the traction pole replacement.
Graeme Wigglesworth, Engineering Manager at Crich Tramway Village, said:
“This important safety work had to be carried out before we could permit access to the affected areas to safeguard the public, our staff and volunteers. We are extremely grateful to Nottingham Trams Limited for their support and are pleased to say that the work has been carried out efficiently by Pod-Trak Ltd. The overhead line is now in good working order and trams are no longer restricted to 4 mph.”
Trevor Stocker, Head of Operations at Nottingham Trams Ltd said:
“We are proud to be able to support Crich Tramway Village where we can and on this occasion our Engineering team were able to help, which is great news.”
Dr Mike Galer, General Manager, Crich Tramway Village said:
“I am delighted that we are able to re-open again with all facilities. I am grateful to all the volunteers and staff at Crich who worked tirelessly to resolve the issues and to do so much more while we were closed.
“As a thank you to Nottingham Trams Limited, we will be offering NET staff free admission to Crich Tramway Village for the rest of this season. We are also offering discounted rates to residents living within 5 miles of Crich for the month of July.”
Crich Tramway Village will open Saturday 2nd July with all facilities available. The Classic Motorcycle Day on Sunday 3rd July will also go ahead with trams in operation.
For more information on opening dates, times, and prices at Crich Tramway Village please visit: https://www.tramway.co.uk/plan-your-visit/tickets
For information on Nottingham Trams please visit: https://www.thetram.net
Photos attached show from Left to Right:
Dr Mike Galer – Crich Tramway Village General Manager; Phillip Terry from Nottingham Trams Limited; Graeme Wigglesworth – Engineering Manager at Crich Tramway Village; Trevor Stocker – Head of Operations at Nottingham Trams Limited; Glenn Oakes – from Nottingham Trams Limited.
One of the new masts can be seen behind the tram (which is Blackpool 167).
Copy and pictutes provided by Crich Tramway Village