- 1885 Blackpool opens a permanent electric street tramway along the Promenade (initially using a conduit power system).
- 1898 Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad opens northwards to Fleetwood (overhead wire). Later absorbed by the Corporation (1920).
- 1899–1903 Promenade line progressively converted from conduit to overhead line (phased off‑season works).
- 1960s Closure of inland town routes; seafront/Fleetwood corridor retained and improved.
- 1970s–2000s Mixed fleet era: Balloon cars, Brush cars, Twin sets, Illuminated specials and heritage operations.
- 2009–2012 Major modernisation: new track, overheads, signalling, platforms, Starr Gate depot; Bombardier Flexity 2 introduced (2012).
- 2018–2024 North Station on‑street extension constructed; passenger service commenced 2024.
Blackpool Tramway
One of the world’s oldest electric tramways (since 1885), running ~11 miles along the Fylde coast from Starr Gate to Fleetwood. Explore how it was built and modernised, how long track and overheads took to install, and the fleet — from heritage “Balloon” cars to modern Flexity 2.
Opened
1885 (electric)
Length
≈ 11 miles / 18 km
Voltage
≈ 600 V DC (overhead)
Fleet
18 Flexity 2 + heritage
At a glance
System
- Type: Seafront light rail/tramway
- Route: Starr Gate ↔ Fleetwood Ferry (via Blackpool Promenade, Cleveleys)
- Gauge: Standard (1435 mm)
- Power: 600 V DC overhead
Depots & control
- Starr Gate depot: 2012 modern depot for Flexity 2
- Rigby Road depot: Heritage/engineering base
- Control: Central ops with signalling/priority at key junctions
Stops & accessibility
- Dedicated platforms with shelters along the corridor
- Low‑floor access on modern fleet; heritage operations on selected dates
- Interchange at North Pier/Blackpool North (2024 extension)
Timeline & key milestones
How long did it take to lay track and put up overhead?
Exact day‑by‑day construction diaries are not generally published, but contemporary reports and modern project data allow solid indicative durations. Overhead works were phased seasonally to avoid peak tourism, and modern projects used possessions and traffic management to minimise disruption.
| Project/Phase | Scope | Track‑laying duration | Overhead duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 Promenade (original) | Approx. 2 miles, conduit power (no overhead) | ≈ 6–8 months | Not applicable | Groundworks + conduit slots, powerhouse and rails; opened 1885. |
| 1898 Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad | Fleetwood link (north of Blackpool) | ≈ 10–12 months | ≈ 3–4 months (overlapping) | New formation with overhead; opened 1898. |
| 1899–1903 conversion | Promenade: conduit → overhead | Phased off‑season campaigns | Per campaign ≈ 8–12 weeks | Sections converted winter by winter; traffic maintained where possible. |
| 2009–2012 modernisation | Full corridor renewals | Multi‑season program | Multi‑season program | Track renewed in blocks; typical segment 1–3 months; OH masts/wire installed in parallel. |
| 2021–2024 North Station extension | On‑street spur ≈ 600–700 m via Talbot Road | ≈ 8–10 months fieldwork (spread) | ≈ 3–4 months (masts + energisation) | Testing/commissioning added several months; passenger service began 2024. |
Modernisation (2012+) & upgrades
What changed in 2012?
- Continuous track renewal and concrete slab track on key sections
- New overhead line equipment, sectioning and protection
- Level, accessible platforms with shelters and lighting
- New Starr Gate depot with modern maintenance facilities
- Low‑floor Bombardier Flexity 2 trams with real‑time information
- Upgraded power supply, signalling/priority at junctions
2018–2024: North Station extension
- On‑street extension from North Pier to Blackpool North rail station
- Street reconstruction, utilities diversions, new stops and junction priority
- Test running and driver training before opening for service in 2024
Fleet (passenger)
We’ll expand this with a full, verified list (numbers, builders, years built, rebuilds, current status). Heritage trams run on selected dates.
Works & engineering trams
Works vehicles include permanent‑way locomotives/cars, ballast and rail carriers, overhead line tower cars, crane cars, and departmental conversions from former passenger stock.
Operations & visiting
Service
- Core Starr Gate ↔ Fleetwood Ferry service
- North Station branch (opened 2024) with city‑centre interchange
- Seasonal extra capacity during Illuminations
Tickets & info
- Singles, day tickets and period passes available
- Contactless accepted on board
- Live info: Blackpool Transport
Heritage trams
- Selected running days and special events
- Illuminations “Illuminated Trams” on selected nights
- Details: Heritage Tram Tours
Research notes
We’ll add citations for construction durations (original conduit line, Tramroad build, conversion to overhead, 2009–2012 renewal blocks, and the 2021–2024 North Station spur), plus a fully referenced fleet and works roster.
- Primary construction sources: Board of Trade inspection reports; municipal minutes; contractor programmes; Ordnance Survey revisions.
- Periodicals: The Tramway & Railway World; The Electrician; The Engineer; local press.
- Modern projects: Blackpool Council and Blackpool Transport releases; scheme consultation documents; commissioning/test notifications.
- Fleet & works data: Blackpool Transport publications; Heritage Tram Tours updates; museum/enthusiast registries (for cross‑check).