Infrastructure Minister shares that the Horse tram line extensions on Isle of Man’s Douglas Promenade remains functional though it has started to corrode.

The tram lines, stretching from Strathallan Terminal to the War Memorial as part of a £26 million project to rev the capital’s seafront, were put on pause in 2021 due to budget reallocation.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall revealed ongoing talks on moving the rail to a safer location while heritage railway financing across the island is reviewed. Notably, no decisions taking about reinstating the full length of the tram lines will occur before thorough examination of capital investments in railway infrastructure is completed, as per Systra engineering consultants’ recommendations in their January study on Isle of Man’s railways.

Deteriorating Infrastructure

The extension of horse trams from War Memorial to Sea Terminal was approved as part of Douglas Promenade’s renovation plan in 2017 and backed by Manx parliament. However, this extension was later suspended. The track previously bought for this project is stored at South Quay’s rail bending yard in Douglas says Crookall.

The rails purchased almost ten years ago show signs of ageing because they were kept near seawater. To address corroded areas grinding work was performed reveals Crookall. A total of 4.6km or 2.8 miles track made up of 256 pieces each at 18m length are kept in storage and there are plans being discussed for their relocation.

Restoration Plans for Horse Tram Tracks Still Alive

Crookall denies claims that his department has given up plans to restore horse tram tracks along Douglas Promenade.

Rushe MHK Juan Watterson questioned if the Passenger Transport Act had been adhered to, considering the discontinuation of a part of the track. Crookall responded that a tram corridor was maintained for potential future restoration.

Resolving Problems at Tramway Terrace

The Department of Infrastructure will tackle problems at Tramway Terrace before seeking funds to extend Douglas Promenade’s horse trams, Mr. Crookall revealed. Despite prior support from Tynwald to run rails all the way to Sea Terminal, they currently stop working between Derby Castle and Broadway mentions Crookall.

No Current Plans to Extend Douglas Horse Tram Track

Infrastructure ministers suggest businesses on Douglas Promenade must get a break from construction before any future expansion of the horse tramways is considered.

A £26 million project had earlier established tracks from Strathallan Terminal to War Memorial. Continuing it towards Sea Terminal was postponed in 2021 and approval for advancing has not been decided yet confirms Crookall to add,

This optional proposal for members to vote on will be offered “much later”. The immediate task on hand is completion of existing schemes as local businesses want seamless access without constant construction happening which is causing inconvenience Mr. Crookall noted,

Initially approved by Manx parliament in 2017, last year unexpectedly halted extension plans from War Memorial to Sea Terminal due budget cuts by then Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker who planned it as a separate project.

Crookall doesn’t deny possibility of extension but guarantees it won’t happen immediately. Presently work continues on current phase of tramways and expected to finish by February owing delays in delivery of new points from UK. There isn’t much left before whole project completes and full completion is expected before May end TT races Mr. Crookall concluded.

Last Words

While present focus is completing existing projects, future of horse tram on Douglas Promenade remains undecided as discussions and maintenance continue. Minister has pointed out the need to solve immediate problems and provide businesses some relief from continual construction before considering new extensions.