Coventry Very Light Rail 800 metre demonstrator route
Following the successful test of Coventry Very Light Rail in Greyfriars Road, we are now planning the next phase of the project.
This phase will be the construction of an 800 metre twin-track city centre demonstrator route which will run from Coventry Railway Station to Coventry University Technology Park on Mile Lane. This section will operate in live traffic and marks an important step forward for Coventry Very Light as a new form of affordable, green transport.
The City Centre Demonstrator will:
- operate in live traffic, integrating vehicle control with Coventry’s traffic signal system
- offer public rides
- demonstrate rapid installation and affordability
- accelerate design and delivery processes for future routes
- inform the business case and design for Coventry’s first commercial route while attracting national and global interest
In the longer term it is proposed that the 800 metre route will form part of a commercial route (subject to business case approval) connecting:
- Coventry Railway Station
- West Midlands Investment Zone at Coventry Airport
- Pool Meadow
- University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire (UHCW)
- Park and Ride at Ansty Park
The 800 metre phase is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and is scheduled for completion by Spring/Summer 2027.
Coventry Very Light Rail - Mile Lane updates
Coventry Very Light Rail is moving into its next stage of development – this involves constructing the first phase of the 800metre demonstrator route between Coventry University Technology Park and Coventry Railway Station.
The tracks will be installed from just inside the city centre side of the railway bridge, along Mile Lane, across Quinton Road and onto Park Road.
Work will start on Mile Lane in June, this means that Mile Lane will be closed to traffic from Tuesday 2 June between the Listers Garage and the railway bridge.
Nearby residents will still be able to access their property:
- if you live in Merlin Close you can do this by following a diversion that will bring you onto Puma Way and then into Merlin Close
- if you live in Furlong Road, you can do this via Quarryfield Lane and Gillquart Way and then using the access route built as part of the development, but blocked by bollards, next to the play area. This will be opened for vehicles on a temporary basis and closed again when Mile Lane reopens
Pedestrian access will remain. Vehicle access, including cyclists will follow the signed diversion route.
The road will remain closed until late Autumn. While we are working on Very Light Rail, Severn Trent will also replace their water main.
We will post regular updates as the work progresses here.
Update 9 July 2026
Arup and Partners have submitted a planning application on behalf of the Council. This is to request approval to construct:
- a temporary stabling/depot structure in the Coventry University car park on Mile Lane - this is where the vehicle is kept when not in use
- two welfare and operation units, also on the car park
- two temporary passenger platforms - one on Mile Lane near to the Technology Park and one on the university car park
The Severn Trent water main renewal will be completed next week. The next phase of work will be for the CVLR route and will include preparing the ground for installation of the new slabs.
Update 25 June 2026
- work is going well, and the old road surface has been removed
- digging has started to replace a Severn Trent water pipe, which will provide a new supply for local customers.
- diversions are in place, and we are looking at how to improve the signage
- the Coventry Very Light Rail track installation will start later in the year