WORK is set to start on essential track maintenance at a busy crossing on Nottingham's tram network which will see the route split into two for two weeks.
During the Easter holidays, tracks will be replaced and the crossing upgraded at Noel Street, Hyson Green in an engineering project which will get underway on Friday, March 29.
The works mean the network will see the closure of the loop line between The Forest and Wilkinson Street for the first time since the system was opened nine years ago. In order to maintain a full service to passengers, temporary buses will be in operation between the two stops.
Paul Robinson, NET General Manager, said it is inevitable such a major project would cause disruption, but every effort was being made to minimise inconvenience both to customers and local residents.
"The maintenance is essential and we've taken the opportunity to upgrade the crossing in an effort to reduce noise and to get the track ready for a significant increase in service frequencies during the next couple of years.
"We're undertaking the work over the Easter break because both the tram network itself and local roads are a little quieter, although people should allow a little extra time for their journeys, particularly at peak times," he said.
While the work is being carried out trams will operate from Hucknall and Phoenix Park to Wilkinson Street and between The Forest and Station Street at their normal service frequencies. There will be minor timetable alterations and customers can find more details on board the trams, at the tram stops and on the NET website at here.
Frequent replacement free shuttle-buses between Wilkinson Street and The Forest will be integrated into the revised tram timetables to minimise inconvenience for passengers and to make their journey as smooth as possible.
As part of the project, tram stops at Noel Street, Beaconsfield Street, Radford Road, Shipstone Street and Hyson Green Market will be closed and users of Noel Street and Hyson Green Market stops are advised to travel to or from The Forest.
Customers that use Shipstone Street tram stop are advised to travel to or from Wilkinson Street.
There will be a temporary bus stop near to Radford Road and from there customers normally using Beaconsfield Street and Radford Road tram stops can catch the shuttle service to interchange with the tram at The Forest or Wilkinson Street.
Tram services will return to normal on Monday, April 15.
In the meantime, anyone who would like more information about the works or the temporary arrangements should contact NET's customer service team on 0115 942 7777 or email info@thetram.net.
