Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

On track

Ding ding ding - the Luas has taken its first trip across O'Connell Bridge

Two Luas trams have made the first journeys on the new Luas Cross City route this morning.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

AFTER NEARLY FOUR years of development, the Luas took its first journey across O’Connell Bridge this morning in Dublin.

With Minister for Transport Shane Ross in attendance, a series of trams made the walking pace journey along the new stretches of track for a ‘gauge run’ – basically a series of test journeys to make sure all is as it should be.

The run itself is taking place over two days, today and tomorrow, on the 5.9 kilometre route between St Stephen’s Green and the new route’s terminus at Broombridge in Cabra.

Two trams are making the journey both northbound and southbound with a multitude of engineers and their own Garda escort in attendance, stopping at each new station platform, and manoeuvring along the way “to allow a range of measurements and tests to be carried out” according to a Luas Cross City spokesperson.

Ross himself, sporting a jaunty Bloomsday hat, seemed to be in high spirits as the test progressed.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

Speaking to the media on a break from the journey, he declared the whole project to be “fantastic and on budget”.

He admitted that “there’ll be a little bit of difficulty (for the new route) during the interim period as testing continues from August onwards”, but stressed that “from December onwards people will adjust very, very quickly”.

It’s going to be fantastic and carry millions of passengers every year.

“I recognise that the past few years have been challenging for the city and for businesses and we are all looking forward to the works drawing to a close and the start of operations by the end of the year,” Ross added.

The project is expected to complete on schedule for the end of the year.

“The gauge run marks a significant achievement for all the parties involved in the project,” Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority (NTA), said meanwhile.

The completion of Luas Cross City in December will play an important role in alleviating congestion and enhancing the public transport experience for commuters.

Testing on the new route is expected to continue over the coming months, along with the finishing of paving, footpaths and carriageway reconstruction work.

Training of drivers will commence in September, with full passenger services then on target to begin operation in December.

With reporting from Nicky Ryan

Read: Man arrested after scaling M50 toll bridge and causing €100k damage

Read: 30-year-old man seriously injured after being struck by car in Galway

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
55
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds