Monument MPM1446 - Tram Track, Rugby Road

Rare example of interlaced tram track i.e. with two pairs of tracks laid between each other to avoid use of points. Constructed c1900. Portsmouth’s tramways finished operating in 1937. [1] Brass plaque on wall which reads:

'HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL - PORTSMOUTH CORPORATION TRAMWAY

RUGBY ROAD PORTSMOUTH

In this road is one of three preserved sections of exposed tram track in the city. This example shows the unusual semi-crossovers used to keep trams in the middle of the road without the need for points.

Trams first ran on the track on the 26th August 1901. Its use ceased at the end of 1931. Work on restoring the road surface was carried out in 1987-88 on behalf of Hampshire County Council by Portsmouth City Council as part of the Urban Regeneration Programme.'

[2]

<1> Portsmouth City Council, 2011, City of Portsmouth Local List of Buildings (Bibliographic reference). SPM37.

<2> HER Volunteer, 2014, Information received from HER Volunteer (Verbal communication). SPM236.