Coventry Very Light Rail under construction
Posted on 18th March 2025 at 13:45
Following the results of extensive testing with a section of Very Light Rail track at Coventry City Council’s Whitely’s depot, work has started to install test track in Coventry city centre. The 220m demonstration track is being installed by Colas Rail UK under contract from the city council. It is due to be completed for road tests this summer and is funded by the City region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded to the West Midlands Combined Authority by the UK Department for Transport. The innovative track is thinner than the track used on existing tramway systems, reducing the need to dig deeper and divert all pipes and cables, savings costs and time.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “This revolutionary Very Light Rail technology, in which the West Midlands is leading the way, will slash costs and accelerate construction times for tram networks – allowing us to better deliver on my vision to connect communities with more affordable and accessible public transport.
We are investing millions in this project, and the start of work on this test track shows how close we are to making this a reality.
The on road test will offer local people an opportunity to ride in the vehicle and provide feedback. This concept has the potential to revolutionise the light rail market and make urban transport significantly more affordable for cities and larger towns".
Once work is complete, there will be a four-week showcase in the Summer. In the long-term Coventry Council has an aspiration to develop a very light rail network across the city.
Photo: Coventry Very Light rail track installation. (Coventry City Council)
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