The Nottingham Express Transit (NET) runs for approximately 20 miles covering 51 stations/stops.

SATEBA UK supplied light rail sleepers for Nottingham Express Transit (NET) for both the phase 1 and phase 2 developments.

Phase 1 (Line 1)
The £220 million Nottingham Express Transit phase one (NET 1), which began around year 2000, runs from Hucknall, a former mining community, into the city centre, terminating at Nottingham railway station. There is also a spur to Pheonix Park, the park and ride site off Junction 26 of the M1.

Following the highly successful installation and use of Sateba Twin Block Sleepers on lines for the Sheffield SuperTram and the Manchester Metrolink extension, these easy to use sleepers were requested again for NET Line One.

Around 18,000 Sateba VAX U21 Sleepers with Pandrol ‘e’ clip fastenings and an innovative derailment containment system were supplied to Grantrail.

The Sateba VAX U21 sleeper is so versatile it was used for both ballasted track and slab track sections at tram stops, and tight radius bends along this line.

Phase 2 (Line 2 and 3)
In 2011 the contract was awarded to Tramlink Nottingham to take over all operations from NET Line One and to build the two new lines from the city, one to Clifton and another to Chilwell.

This phase was funded partly by Government and partly by Nottingham City Council, mainly through a Workplace Parking Levy.

An order for around 15,000 Sateba VAX U21 Sleepers  was placed by Alstom, as part of the Taylor Woodrow Alstom JV who were awarded the contract to design and build the two new tram lines for Nottingham.

It is reported that the VAX U21 were selected again due to the sleepers being a highly efficient, proven product and cost effective solution that is easy to handle and install.

Line 2 includes Nottingham City to the Queens Medical Centre, Beeston and on to Toton Lane near Chilwell.

Line 3 includes the city through the Meadows, Southside (one of three major regeneration zones) to Clifton.

Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is estimated to remove around five million car journeys from the city’s roads each year. Its fleet of 37 modern trams operates 365 days a year, running at intervals of just three to five minutes during peak times in the city centre.*

Across the UK and beyond, modern light rail systems are increasingly recognised not only as an answer to road congestion and environmental challenges, but also as a catalyst for urban regeneration and growth in surrounding communities.

At Sateba, we are committed to supporting this shift. We continue to innovate with products and services that reduce carbon impact, including new sustainable sleepers made with green concrete and recycled components, already in use on networks in France. Contact us to learn more.

*information correct on publication Aug 2025

Key projects supplied the VAX U21 Sleepers

• Midland Metro
• Sheffield Supertram
• Manchester Metrolink
• Olympic Park, Stratford London
• HS1 (Channel Tunnel Rail Link)