AN Islander’s proposal to establish a tramway in a bid to combat traffic congestion is not a “viable option” for Jersey, according to the Infrastructure Minister – who has said that he will not pursue the idea.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf has responded to an open letter from Jersey Western Railway founder Alex Sparrow.
Mr Sparrow’s proposed project sought the implementation of a Very Light Rail tramway system linking Gorey, St Helier and the Airport, as well as following the route of the former railway toward Corbière.
He marked the estimated total cost for the scheme as being between £410 million to £550 million, based on “route-specific analysis and comparable projects”.
Mr Sparrow, who said earlier this year that his vision had drawn interest from Balfour Beatty – which is involved in the UK’s HS2 railway line project – and First Rail Group, had also outlined his hope that it could be backed by a combination of public and private funding split 51% and 49% respectively.
His proposal described the development of a VLR tramway as “a measured and proportionate response” to the challenges stemming from Jersey’s “constrained” transport infrastructure.
And he argued that the modern systems available could be installed with “minimal” excavation, operate without overhead wiring and be deployed “more rapidly and flexibly” than older models.
However, Deputy Renouf told Mr Sparrow that: “I do not consider this to be a viable option for Jersey.
“Firstly, I think the cost is prohibitive,” the minister continued.
“There is a need for Jersey to invest tens of millions of pounds into our existing ageing critical infrastructure and public realm in the coming years.
“Difficult decisions already need to be made as to where that money is best allocated, and that is before adding the cost to the public of building a tramway. In my view, this is not realistic given the other challenges we face.”
Deputy Renouf went on to stress that “the establishment of a tramway is not going to be included in any current or forthcoming government transport, infrastructure, or capital plans”.
“I also do not believe that the tramway will fit within the public realm. A tramway running along the seafront from St Aubin to West Park will present major challenges,” he added.
“I also do not consider it viable to incorporate a tramway into the road network.
“Further, I do not think it is possible to maintain access to the Railway Walk for cyclists and pedestrians on the existing basis alongside a tramway. It would fundamentally alter the nature of the Railway Walk in a manner which I couldn’t support.”
The minister reiterated that he “will not pursue the option of a Jersey tramway”.
“Should you wish to approach another States Member with this proposal, and were they to seek to take it forward, I would engage with the parliamentary process,” he noted.
Deputy Renouf also highlighted that, while his position on the matter was “clear”, he was “always happy to discuss issues and engage”.
Speaking to the JEP yesterday, Mr Sparrow said he thought infrastructure investment “should not just be maintaining the status quo”.
He added that, if the minister did not view the tramway proposal as a “reasonable investment”, then there needed to be “substantial structural changes to the road environment to encourage bus travel and encourage cycling”.
