{"id":5103,"date":"2020-03-03T11:17:31","date_gmt":"2020-03-03T11:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tampereenratikka.fi\/tampereen-ratikan-testivaunu-liikkuu-hervannassa-maaliskuun-puolivalista-alkaen\/"},"modified":"2020-03-10T13:44:34","modified_gmt":"2020-03-10T13:44:34","slug":"tampere-tramways-test-car-will-begin-operating-in-hervanta-in-mid-march","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tampereenratikka.fi\/en\/tampere-tramways-test-car-will-begin-operating-in-hervanta-in-mid-march\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampere Tramway\u2019s test car will begin operating in Hervanta in mid-March – Now it\u2019s time to review the traffic rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tampere Tramway\u2019s test car will begin operating in Hervanta in mid-March – Now it\u2019s time to review the traffic rules<\/span><\/h1>\n

Testing of Tampere\u2019s tramway track and tramline system with the test car will begin at the tram car depot on 16 March. The aim is to perform the first test runs with the test car outside the depot on Hermiankatu on Wednesday 18 March. If necessary, the tests will continue until the end of April. A tram car that was manufactured in 1981 and brought to Tampere from Germany will be used in the testing. Traffic controllers will ensure the test car\u2019s passage among other traffic, but now is also a good time for Tampere residents to review the traffic rules that apply to a city with a tramway. Here comes the tram!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Tampereen
Photo: Tampere Tramway Ltd., Pasi Tiitola<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People will be able to travel on Tampere Tramway for the first time in April 2021, with the actual transportation beginning in August of the same year. However, Tampere residents will already have the chance to start learning how to co-exist with the tramway when the test car begins operating in Hervanta.<\/p>\n

– Our tram car supplier \u0160koda Transtech has provided us with a used tram car so that we can ensure that the track and tramline system are functioning properly when the first Tampere Tramway cars begin operating. The first Tampere Tramway car will arrive in Tampere later this spring and the next car in the autumn. By the end of this year, we will already have several tram cars involved in testing,\u201d explains CEO Pekka Sirvi\u00f6<\/strong> from Tampere Tramway Ltd.<\/p>\n

– We always strive to meet customer expectations in the best possible way. In terms of effective testing to ensure the quality of Tampere\u2019s first tram car and the infrastructure, delivery of the durable TW6000-model tram car to Tampere was an opportunity that benefited all project parties. The car type now being delivered to Tampere Tramway Ltd is very similar to Tampere\u2019s future Artic tram cars with regard to its technical specifications. We\u2019re very satisfied that Tampere Tramway agrees with us about the benefits of procuring the test car, says Juha Vierros<\/strong>, CEO of \u0160koda Transtech Oy.<\/p>\n

During the testing, signs posted in the test run area will inform people that the test car is operating, and traffic controllers will be present to ensure safe passage of the test car among other traffic. The test car will also be taped with Tampere Tramway\u2019s safety colours of red and yellow. In addition, Tampere Tramway Ltd will produce traffic safety material for distribution to, for example, schools and daycare centres in the area. However, each person\u2019s attention and awareness of the traffic rules will also play a key role.<\/p>\n

– The safety of people moving around near the track and the safety of the entire tramline system is of utmost importance to us. The tram car is a new element in the Tampere cityscape and that\u2019s why we hope city residents will pay special attention to reviewing the traffic rules at this time, when test runs are being performed, notes Sirvi\u00f6.<\/p>\n

Test runs and testing ensures the functionality of track infrastructure<\/h2>\n

Before the test runs, the test car will be equipped and its exterior dimensions modified so that it sufficiently corresponds to the dimensions of the Tampere Tramway cars. This will make it possible to check the compatibility of the car with platform areas as well as the reach of its exterior elements near various fixed structures. The test car will also be loaded with approximately 18,000 kg of extra weight so that it is similar in weight to the future tram cars. The test runs will involve testing the drivability of the track and turnouts with a car of the proper weight in addition to ensuring the functionality of track-related systems and electrified line structures.<\/p>\n

– The electrified line system will be tested to ensure that pantograph contact with the overhead contact line is maintained in the turnout areas and during line operation, explains Project Manager Sari Valjus<\/strong> from the Tramway Alliance.<\/p>\n

Other focuses during track infrastructure testing include right of way operations related to traffic lights, checking track signal functions and traffic sign locations as well as testing the operation of the turnout control system. At the depot, testing will cover interlocking device operations, the placement of depot track pathways, as well as turnouts, signals and electrified line functions.<\/p>\n

\"Tampere<\/a><\/p>\n

Speed tests will be performed in stages on different streets<\/h3>\n

Tests related to all tramline systems will be performed on the track section between the tram car depot in Hervanta and the Turtola tram stop. On each test section, the car will first move at walking speed, which means a maximum of 5 km\/hour. The speed tests will be performed according to the maximum speeds for each street or track. These are 30 km\/h on Hermiankatu, 15 km\/h on Atomipolku, 30 km\/h on Insin\u00f6\u00f6rinkatu and 70 km\/h on Hervannan valtav\u00e4yl\u00e4. Traffic controllers will be present during the tests, and they will temporarily stop vehicle traffic and direct pedestrians and cyclists if necessary.<\/p>\n

– The maximum speed tests on the track must be performed continuously on each street or section, which is why traffic control will be used. If a test run on a planned section is interrupted, it must be repeated again almost immediately. A test run on a single section of street lasts for a few minutes at a time, so the interruptions in other traffic will be short, says Project Engineer Petra Brunnila<\/strong> from the Tramway Alliance.<\/p>\n

Test runs will be performed outside rush hour periods, which means between 9 am and 3 pm. During the speed tests on Insin\u00f6\u00f6rinkatu, bus line 3 will take detour to Teekkarinkatu-Hervannan valtav\u00e4yl\u00e4 for a one-day period. The stops on Hervannan valtav\u00e4yl\u00e4 will be in use. Line 32 will run on its normal route during the test runs.<\/p>\n

Preliminary schedules for the test runs: <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Week 12 (16-20 March)<\/strong><\/p>\n