The 7.6 Km route links directly to Line One at Nottingham Station on a new viaduct allowing for transfer directly from the high level tram stop to the trains below. Click here for MASTERPLAN page. The route then runs along Queens Walk, over the River Trent on the existing Wilford Toll Bridge and along the former Great Central railway line between Wilford and Compton Acres / Ruddington Lane. It then runs to the south of Silverdale and into Clifton, serving Clifton Centre, and a new Park and Ride site for the A453.

The route links the important transport destinations of Clifton centre, Nottingham Trent University, the Meadows and the city centre. The route would be very convenient for residential areas in Clifton, Compton Acres, Wilford and the Meadows.

Through journeys onto Line One would be possible, so that you could travel from Clifton to the Old Market Square, Royal centre and beyond without changing trams.

Current outline designs show 13 tram stops, attracting approximately 3.9 million passenger journeys a year.

Operation

The route has a significant journey time advantage over bus services and a high level of separation from road traffic, providing for reliable and punctual operation. Fast journey times from Clifton and the Compton Acres/Wilford residential area to Nottingham City Centre would consistently outperform existing bus services.

Usage

The route provides convenient links to residential areas along most of the route, including the Wilford/Compton Acres area which is relatively inaccessible, Clifton and the Meadows. The route would serve a new Park and Ride site near the A453 and a possible small site at Wilford Road to cater for traffic from Ruddington.

Cost

The route would cost an estimated £94 million to build. These costs are subject to further study and may change.

Benefit-cost ratio

The route is viable when tested against Government funding criteria, providing £136 million of economic benefits and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.41.

Integration

The route integrates with Nottingham Railway Station and provides potential for bus interchanges in Clifton Centre and at the Clifton Park and Ride site.

Engineering impact

The route crosses the River Trent on the Wilford Toll Bridge, which requires widening to allow for the tram, pedestrians and cyclists. Works would retain flood protection near Iremonger Pond. The old railway embankment between Coronation Avenue and Wilford Road requires lowering or removing to provide width for the tram, a footpath and landscaping/noise barriers. Entering Clifton, the route would require the acquisition of two properties near Farnborough Comprehensive School.

Environmental impact

There would be a loss of habitat and impact on wildlife on the former railway line wildlife site and a reduction in the amenity of the footpath; former railway lines are, however, safeguarded in the Nottinghamshire Structure Plan for future transport use. The route does not touch the Wilwell Farm Cutting Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), although there could be an indirect impact. Work would be required to minimise disturbance to the floodplain. The route would operate along the pedestrian and cycle only Queen's Walk. The Park and Ride site near the A453 and some track would be in Green Belt. Careful design and construction management can mitigate some environmental impacts.

Public acceptability

The main issues identified by the public are summarised in the April report to the councils here.