Coventry’s 220m-long Very Light Rail on road test track proves a success | New Civil Engineer

Coventry City Council and Colas Rail UK have announced the success of the 220m-long on-road test track for the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project in the city centre. The track, located along Greyfriars and Queen Victoria Road, serves as a demonstrator to explore alternative light rail construction methods that promise cost savings, improved sustainability and accelerated build times. Construction work began in March[1] with preparatory activities such as removing a central reservation and reconfiguring traffic flows.

Following this, the installation of the track slab and rails was undertaken, reaching completion on schedule by mid-May. The track has been open for business for over a month and the trial will conclude at the end of June. The vehicle has been taking 17 seated passengers at a time, plus space for a wheelchair or pushchair user, during the tests.

When it comes into full operation, standing space will enable 60 passengers in total. One of those who has been on the test track is minister for local transport Simon Lightwood who said it is "a fantastic innovation by the local authority, a really smooth, light and airy ride". "I can really see the benefits that it could bring, not only here in Coventry, but potentially to the rest of the world," he added.

The CVLR initiative aims to introduce lighter, more flexible tram systems designed to reduce infrastructure costs and environmental impact compared to traditional heavy rail trams.

Installation of one of the CVLR track slabs The track's design is notable for its thinner profile compared to traditional tram tracks, which helps minimise the extensive excavation and rerouting of existing utilities that often inflate costs and extend timelines for such projects. The ultimate aim is for the VLR to be scaled up to a 2km link between Coventry railway station and the Pool Meadow bus station, further integrating the city's transport network.

Its mission is to develop and deliver an affordable tram system, with a target cost of GBP10M/km. Coventry's trial track is among the first UK projects to showcase these benefits, potentially influencing future urban transit developments. The scheme is led by Coventry City Council and funded through the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

Partners in the development of the new technology include WMG at Warwick University and the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre at BCIMO in Dudley. This development aligns with broader efforts across the UK to modernise public transport infrastructure with greener, more efficient alternatives in response to climate goals and urban mobility challenges. The success of the CVLR test track could pave the way for wider adoption of very light rail technology in cities facing similar transport demands.

Colas Rail project manager Hamish Falconer said "It is fantastic to see this first stretch of very light rail track installed in a live environment.

"The whole team at Colas Rail UK is really proud to have been part of this historic milestone along with how quickly and accurately we delivered this section. "We look forward to working very closely with our partners at Coventry City Council to build on this success and further develop Coventry Very Light Rail" Coventry City Council cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change Jim O'Boyle said: "Coventry Very Light Rail has the potential to change how people move around small to medium sized cities.

"Colas Rail showed just how quickly it can be laid and the feedback from the public and technical representatives has been incredible. "We aren't just piloting technology; we are building confidence in a scalable model that puts climate, community, and cost-effectiveness at the heart of urban mobility. This system will create jobs for local people, and this is just the beginning of our plans to put CVLR at the heart of the growing green economy here in Coventry."

In 2023, NCE heard from the Coventry VLR programme manager and Warwick Manufacturing Group about its potential[2].

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References

1. ^ Construction work began in March (www.newcivilengineer.com)
2. ^ heard from the Coventry VLR programme manager and Warwick Manufacturing Group about its potential (www.newcivilengineer.com)
3. ^ To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here. (www.newcivilengineer.com)