Hucknall: Nottingham tram network nominated for industry award

Nottingham's tram network, which starts and terminates in Hucknall, has been nominated for an award for completing a complex engineering project months ahead of schedule.

Work to replace tracks in the historic Lace Market area of the city has been shortlisted for an industry 'Oscar' at the Global Light Rail Awards.

The completion of the project in such a timely manner ensured the tram could play its part in the city's post-pandemic recovery. It was not straightforward as the section of track involved, includes what is believed to be one of the sharpest curves on any UK tram system.

Steve Leyland, Head of Customer Experience at NET, said: "Major track work in the heart of a city centre is always a complex logistical and technical project, but, during the grip of a pandemic, we were presented with an array of fresh challenges.

"The work had been due to take place in the summer of 2021 but concerns that the original plans would take place just as Covid restrictions were eased prompted us to bring the project forward.

"Working in partnership with colleagues from across the business and external organisations, NET pulled out all the stops to see the work successfully completed on May 11 – months ahead of the original schedule."

In the lead-up to the works, the NET team put in place plans to ensure minimum disruption to local businesses and to help customers, including key workers, to complete their journeys. Working alongside partners, including Nottingham City Council, bus operators and a variety of contractors, comprehensive preparations for the works were completed in a fraction of the time they would usually take.

Mr Leyland continued: "When the city's pubs, bars and restaurants were ready to open their doors, Nottingham's tram network was fully operational to ensure their customers could make the most of the new freedoms.

"To achieve this, engineers worked around the clock for nearly two weeks, and we are delighted these efforts have been recognised by judges in the Project of the Year category ahead of the leading awards event for the light rail sector."

The Global Light Rail award winners will be announced at a gala event in London on October 6.