Dudley’s Very Light Rail centre opens doors
Centre of excellence aims to provide innovative and low-cost solutions for all types of rail applications.
THE UK’s only purpose-built research and development facility dedicated to Very Light Rail (VLR) and other low-cost rail applications was informally opened on October 24.
The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) is the brainchild of, and will be operated by, the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO), a not-for-profit research and technology organisation. Located on the site of the former Dudley heavy rail station (closed in 1964) and then the pioneer Dudley Freightliner Terminal (closed in 1989), the building provides laboratory and office space, as well as rail facilities, including a 2.2km test track. This runs on the bed of the former South Staffordshire line and is currently leased from Network Rail.
The track ends next to the centre with a 15-metre radius turning loop. A rapid battery charger, providing 80% charge in five minutes, has also been installed on a rail line next to the centre. The VLRNIC, which is hoping to appeal to those who could provide solutions to the 40 or so UK large towns and cities currently considering VLR, will eventually be served by Midlands Metro tram services when the extension from Wednesbury to Dudley opens. This is expected by 2024, though further extension to Brierley Hill has now been postponed due to funding cuts.