TESTING of trams on the new Luas Cross City green line extension marks a major milestone in the project according to Dublin Chamber, the representative body for businesses in the Dublin region.
Two trams running at speeds of between 5-10kmh were due to be tested on Saturday between St Stephen’s Green, College Green and over to O’Connell Street.
The last trams on O’Connell Street were the numbers 6, 7 and 8, which ran from Nelson’s Pillar towards the Southside until 1949.
On Sunday the gauge test run continued between Broadstone and Cabra and through the city centre again.
The gauge run tests include a range of measurements and checks to ensure that the new infrastructure is working with the trams and allows the engineering team to check the exact and precise specifications.
Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke said the sight of trams running through the city centre sends a clear signal to the people and businesses of Dublin that the end of traffic disruption caused by construction is finally in sight – and the wait will be worth it.
“The extension of the Luas network through the heart of the city and out to Cabra will be a fantastic addition to the city’s transport network,” She said.
“Constructing the new line has been a complicated task and has resulted in significant upheaval over the past four years.
“But it’s very much a case of short-term pain for long-term gain, with the city set to reap the benefits of the new line for decades to come.”
The new Luas line will be tested throughout the summer months and is due to take its first passengers in early December.
Dublin Chamber believes this will provide a boost for businesses in the run up to Christmas.
“An early December opening presents all city centre stakeholders with an opportunity to encourage people to come in and enjoy the city centre this Christmas,” said Burke.
“The number of people coming into Dublin city centre is increasing all the time. As the economy continues to grow, the pressure on our transport network will increase.
“It is vital that the Luas Cross City project is followed up by much-needed continued investment in Dublin’s transport infrastructure.”
Luas Cross City is predicting the new route will bring in an additional 10 million passengers a year to the city centre once it’s up and running.
Research carried out by Dublin city business group, DublinTown, has shown that 44 per cent of Dubliners surveyed are more likely to visit the city once the new Luas line is operating.
“Throughout the construction phase of this project we have worked closely with Luas Cross City, the NTA, Gardai and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the works on businesses and the city,” said Richard Guiney, CEO DublinTown.
“This cooperation has seen footfall rise in the city each year despite the extensive works being carried out.
“Businesses can’t wait to see this much-needed transport system passing by their premises.
“We look forward to getting a glimpse of how the new system will look and work during these test runs. It’s an exciting time for the city!”
Members of the public are asked to keep a safe distance from trams and obey the instructions of Gardai and marshals during any test runs.
Meanwhile a temporary traffic light system to control traffic crossing Cabra Road Bridge has been put be in place to facilitate the Luas Cross City works.
Motorists using Cabra Road are advised to allow for longer journey times through the area or take an alternative route to avoid the works, which is expected to take a number of weeks.