Coventry Very Light Rail vehicle successfully tested on innovative track system

The Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project has successfully run one of its vehicles on test track at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley.

The track being researched for the project is thinner than the track used in existing light rail or tram systems and as a result can be laid just 300mm deep into the road surface. This reduces the need to divert all utilities which can add significant cost and time delays to light rail projects.

As part of the testing process, the track slab was designed by Ingerop/Rendel in conjunction with WMG and was laid by Galliford Try in a matter of weeks. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) believes this proves the simplicity of the design of the track which will ultimately lead to much lower construction costs and reduced construction time.

The test track includes a tight curve and a 250m vertical hump as both of these are significant challenges for traditional slab track constructions and are one of the reasons tram systems take a long time to build, contributing to higher construction costs.

The construction further included instrumentation so that vibration, sound and stresses produced by the vehicle can be monitored to demonstrate how the track, in conjunction with the novel features of the CVLR vehicle, reduces vibration and sound compared to standard tram systems.

Coventry will be the first city in the UK to get the innovative, affordable battery-powered rail after the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) agreed a £72M investment in the project through its £1.05bn of funds from the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements. This will fund a demonstrator for the VLR; a 2km line between Coventry railway station and Pool Meadow bus station in the city centre.

TfWM believes the battery-powered vehicle and revolutionary track system will offer cities the chance to install rapid passenger tram systems faster and at a much lower cost than traditional light rail systems.

The project has been developed by a number of innovative West Midlands organisations including Coventry City Council, TfWM, WMG at the University of Warwick and the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, which runs the Dudley VLRNIC.

Coventry City Council cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change Jim O’Boyle said: “It was fantastic to see the vehicle running on its track for the very first time. This track is crucial to our vision and this successful test is a big milestone for the project.

“The track is unique; it’s specifically designed to be installed more quickly and more easily than the tracks used by other light rail systems.

“This test will also show that our vehicle is able to run on tight corners and up and down hills – it’s this that will enable it to run in smaller and medium sized cities. But there is no reason a traditional tram couldn’t run on it too – making delivery of trams more affordable.

“CVLR is pioneering – with the potential to create new jobs and tackle climate change by providing people with a zero-emission mode of travel. This is Coventry doing what it does best. We led the industrial revolution here in Coventry and now, with fantastic projects like this, we are leading the green industrial revolution too.”

Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair Andy Street said: “By investing in - and supporting the development of - Very Light Rail in Coventry and Dudley, we’re placing our region right at the forefront of what is a tremendously innovative technology.

“It’s yet another wonderful example of the industry and ingenuity for which the West Midlands is deservedly known. I look forward to seeing this technology progress from the workshop to real world application in the months and years ahead.

“As VLR picks up pace, we’ll be able to further reduce traffic congestion and improve our air quality - offering a convenient and sustainable transport option for local people to enjoy.”

Galiford Try regional manager Jamie Missenden added: “Having experience of light rail construction previously, the opportunity to play a part in creating an innovative system like this provided us with the chance to see how these complex infrastructure systems could be installed with significant risk and cost savings.

“With the test track now completed, we are proud of the work we have completed with partners and have been impressed by the speed of the installation of the track. In our view, this system offers significant benefits and added value to that of the more traditional light rail installation and construction process.”

In June, O'Boyle expressed concern that the VLR system would be delayed because the DfT was taking longer than expected to deliver the promised funding.

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