In response to a transport consultation initiated by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) has drawn up detailed plans for construction of tram network to serve the city of Derby.
The proposal, put together by LRTA East Midlands regional officer David Gibson, has been costed at 拢505m. He said that it would offer much more benefit for the area than the projected 拢650m for the A38 junctions road scheme.
The proposal comprises four tram lines:
- Line 1 would run from The Wyvern, via Pride Park, Derby Midland Station, the city centre and the former Great Northern alignment to Kingsway, before forming a loop serving the Royal Derby Hospital, Mickleover, and Mackworth.
- Line 2 would connect with Line 1 at Derby Midland Station, follow the Birmingham railway corridor, and serve the Rolls-Royce Sinfin site, Infinity Park, Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Boulton Moor, Alvaston, and Raynesway, before reconnecting with Line 1 at The Wyvern.
- Line 3 would branch from Line 1 at Willow Row, run through the West End to the University of Derby sites in the Markeaton area, serve the Kedleston Road campus, and continue to a loop around Allestree.
- Line 4 would run from The Wyvern and connect with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) at Toton Lane, serving Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston and Long Eaton.
Gibson says in his report: 鈥淧hase one would be lines 1 and 4, which should cost around 拢300m, which is the cost of building the actual tramway, and allowing 50% extra for other costs such as site clearance, planning and design. The construction of a tramway is often the catalyst for public realm improvement; whilst very desirable, it shouldn鈥檛 be accounted for as a direct tramway cost. Line 2 should come in at around 拢160m, and Line 3 拢45m.鈥�
David Andrews, chair of the LRTA Campaigns Group, said: 鈥淭he LRTA believes that a Derby tram network would represent a transformational investment, delivering long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and the wider East Midlands region.鈥�
The full proposal can be found at