Carriages returned to historic cliff side tramway

3 hours ago

Caroline Briggsand

Anna Murray,North East and Cumbria

News image — The carriages have been lowered into position

Redcar and Cleveland Council Two red and white carriages with grey curved roofs are hoisted into position on vertical railway track by a yellow crane. Workers in orange hi-vis clothing and bystanders watch in front of a red and white building with the beach behind. — The carriages have been lowered into position

An iconic seaside attraction has moved a step closer to welcoming passengers again after its newly-built carriages were lifted back onto the tracks.

Cranes lowered the bespoke carriages onto the Grade II listed Saltburn Cliff Tramway, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, as part of a major refurbishment programme.

The countdown to reopening is now under way, with final testing, commissioning and staff training to take place over the coming days to restore passenger services within a fortnight.

First opened in 1884, the tramway is the oldest water-balanced funicular railway still operating in Britain. It closed for refurbishment in January.

Millions of journeys between the town centre, pier and beach have been made on the attraction since it opened.

The replacement carriages were handcrafted by specialist Teesside engineers after the originals reached the end of their operational life following decades of exposure to the challenging coastal environment.

Bespoke carriages

Deputy leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Carrie Richardson, said the return of the carriages was "a special moment".

She said: "Saltburn Cliff Tramway isn't just a way of getting from the town to the seafront, it's part of the identity of Saltburn and generations of families have memories of riding it.

"The specialist work that has gone into creating these bespoke carriages is exceptional.

"Every detail has been carefully considered to honour the tramway's heritage while ensuring it can continue carrying passengers for many years to come."

Redcar and Cleveland Council A red and white carriage with grey curved roof is hoisted into position in front of the sea and pier. — The carriages have been designed to preserve the tramway's Victorian character

When it opened the tramway replaced a vertical hoist.

Since the carriages were last installed, they are estimated to have carried 2.5 million passengers.

The existing stained-glass windows were designed in 1991 by local artist Chloe Buck and have been reconditioned and transferred into the new carriages.

They feature timber interiors, arched ceilings and larger stained-glass windows designed to showcase coastline views.

Ugrades also included a new hydraulic braking system, improved door mechanisms, upgraded buffers and enhanced hydraulic equipment.