This month marks an exciting step forward for the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project, as a major milestone has been successfully achieved: the completion of a critical concrete pour on site. This accomplishment signifies important progress for the project and underscores the essential role that RSS Infrastructure (RSSI) plays in bringing this innovative transport solution to life.
RSSI at the Heart of Delivery
RSSI has been proud to support the CVLR programme by providing 80% of the manpower required for the pour and delivering all specialist welding works on site. Our teams, backed by colleagues from the Midland Metro Alliance, worked tirelessly to ensure the pour was completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standard.
The positive feedback from both the project designers and Coventry City Council is a testament to the skills, professionalism, and dedication of the RSSI workforce. Successfully completing this phase and exceeding expectations demonstrates RSSI’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects in live city environments—a capability that is vital as the CVLR project moves forward.
Supporting Innovation in Urban Transport
The Coventry Very Light Rail project is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a cost-effective, sustainable, and scalable urban transport system. Traditional tram systems can cost over £25 million per kilometre to install — with costs even higher in city centres — making them unattainable for many smaller or medium-sized cities.
CVLR seeks to break this barrier by offering a solution at around a third of the cost, using lightweight, battery-powered vehicles and an innovative shallow track design that reduces the need to relocate underground utilities.
By supporting this project’s construction and delivery phases, RSSI is playing a vital role in proving that cost-effective light rail is possible, not just for Coventry, but potentially for many towns and cities across the UK.
Expertise in Complex Urban Environments
Working in a live, high-profile city centre environment like Coventry presents unique challenges. It requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to manage logistics, minimise disruption to the public, and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental performance.
RSSI’s teams brought their extensive experience from other light rail projects, including work on the Midland Metro Alliance, to the CVLR programme. This proven expertise in track installation, precision welding, and urban project delivery has been essential in achieving a smooth and successful concrete pour — a critical stage in the track installation process.
Our involvement showcases RSSI’s ability to adapt to innovative construction methods while maintaining consistent, high-quality results on complex infrastructure projects.
Paving the Way for Future Growth
The success of this concrete pour is not just a milestone for Coventry — it represents the beginning of something much bigger. With the demonstrator route now progressing well, CVLR has the potential to serve as a blueprint for future light rail systems across the country.
Cities that previously ruled out tram systems due to cost or disruption concerns can now look to Coventry’s example. The efficient construction methods, modular track technology, and lower overall costs may open new opportunities for urban transport upgrades. RSSI is positioned to be at the forefront of delivering these future projects.
Our leadership in track construction, welding services, and project delivery makes us the ideal partner for cities and transport authorities seeking to replicate Coventry’s success in their own regions.
Looking Ahead
The Coventry Very Light Rail project is a shining example of how innovation, collaboration, and expert delivery can unlock new possibilities for sustainable transport in the UK.
RSSI is proud to have played such a pivotal role in this latest milestone, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead as the project moves towards live trials and eventual network expansion.
By continuing to deliver excellence on projects like CVLR, RSSI is not just supporting today’s transport solutions — we are helping shape the future of urban mobility.
