Carriages on the much-loved Grade II-listed Saltburn Cliff Tramway are being replaced as part of a major upgrade.
The two carriages were removed earlier today (Thursday 15 January) after more than 15 years of service transporting an estimated 2.5 million passengers.
The new carriages – complete with bigger stained glass windows – will be built off-site and installed in the coming months ahead of the tourist season.
The Tramway is an award-winning attraction which links the Victorian town of Saltburn with the only remaining pleasure pier on the entire North-East and Yorkshire coast.
A new hydraulic brake system and buffer system will also be installed as part of the upgrade. General servicing and maintenance work - as well as rigorous testing - will be completed.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said:
“The Tramway is internationally renowned and has brought pleasure and convenience to holidaymakers for more than 140 years. It’s incredibly well-used and after great service the carriages have reached the end of their lives and it’s time to install new, better ones. Safety always comes first and as well as servicing and testing the whole Tramway, a new brake and buffering system will be installed to ensure it can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The replacement carriages will maintain the same visual style and colour. The only noticeable modification will be an increase to the window depth to enhance passengers’ views whilst travelling. The much-loved existing stained-glass windows, originally designed and installed in 1991 by local artist Chloe Buck, will be reconditioned and transferred into the new carriages.
The replacements will be fitted to the current steel undercarriages (consisting of cast iron axle boxes installed in 2018, steel water tanks and solid steel wheels installed in 1979).
Saltburn Foreshore and the Pier Car Park has been closed today to allow a crane and heavy recovery to remove the old carriages.