From this November until April 2010 the Blackpool tram system will close, for only the second time in its history. This is to allow major infrastructure work to be carried out prior to the introduction of new trams in 2012.

Work to be carried out over the winter includes track replacement, replacement of electrical supply equipment and work on 14 locations where trams cross roads. The work is part of a £101m upgrade of the system.

Once the new Bombardier built trams are introduced, although some of the older historical trams will still see service, Blackpool will have a system that is fully accessible to everyone, thanks to low floor vehicles and level boarding at tram stops. There will also be an increase in service frequency, with trams operating every 10 minutes, and a reduction in journey times.

Next winter the tramway will close again to allow track to be replaced between North Pier and Gynn Square.

Although a number of the older trams will be retained a number of the vehicles in poorer condition are expected to be offered for sale to preservationists or scrapped over the coming months.

2010 will be the system’s 125th anniversary and celebrations are being planned for next September.