After the Valentine’s night storm ravaged half a mile of the track at Seaton Tramway, engineers and contractors have been working hard over the past few weeks to reinstate the section of track running from the Seaton Terminus to Axmouth Loop on the River Axe Estuary
As well as coordinating a huge clean-up operation, tonnes of fill and track ballast have been brought in to ensure a smooth ride when the Tramway opens its doors in time for the Grizzly this weekend. Although, major repairs are ongoing in the section between Axmouth Loop and Colyford Station, the Tramway has been determined to offer visitors to the infamous Grizzly event a chance to ride on one of its trams on two sections of the scenic route until it can finally re-open in full for Easter.
Managing Director, Jenny Nunn, said: “The really encouraging news is that the Tramway can open a second section of track from Seaton to Axmouth in readiness for this important date in Seaton’s calendar, the Grizzly, when hundreds of runners and spectators converge on the town. Although there is still much work to be done until we can re-open the line fully, this sends out a positive message to visitors that we’re open for business.”
The Tramway was to open its doors for daily service on Saturday 15th February but due to the storm damage had no alternative but to close over February half-term week. Buoyed by local and national support, the company also arranged for two of its smaller double-decker trams to be transported by road on Friday 21st February from its base at Seaton to Colyton in order that a mini service could start operating from there to Colyford, whilst the major repairs are taking place to the track further to the south.
From this weekend visitors will be able to purchase a “Rainbow ticket” at the special price of £5.00 for adults (£2.50 for children) which can be used on each section for one round trip Colyton to Colyford and Seaton to Axmouth on the day of purchase or alternatively they can chose to travel on one section and return again for free before Easter to do the second trip.
