City set to fast-track trams for council elections

TRAM works could be speeded up so a key section of the route is finished before the 2012 council elections, it was claimed today.

Council-owned tram firm TIE is said to be considering an acceleration of work on the track from Haymarket to the airport so pro-tram councillors have something to show for the disruption and delays when they seek re-election.

One source was quoted as saying: "Work is progressing very well off-street, which means that part of the line could be opened well before the council election, possibly next year."

Tram bosses were meeting today to discuss whether to ditch main construction contractor Bilfinger Berger in an attempt to end a year-long dispute over changes to the scheme which has dogged the 545m project. One option is understood to be replacing the firm with a consortium partner, Siemens, which would take over management of the sub-contractors involved in work on the ground.

The tram line was originally due for completion this year, but bosses have admitted trams will not start running until 2013.