Most of the track for Nottingham's �180m tram system could be laid by the end of the year.

Leaders of the scheme, which has turned parts of the city into a building site, say they are on target to clear most of the major roadworks within two months.

It is estimated 11 million people annually will use the first line - which will stretch 14 km from the city's railway station to Hucknall when it opens at the end of 2003.

Nottingham City Council, part of the consortium behind the tram, says progress to date backs up their confidence.

Track laying has disrupted the city

Stephan Richeux, spokesman for Nottingham Express Transit, said: "The project is on-schedule and on-budget, with a number of milestones already reached.

"Track laying has gone well so far with most due to be finished by the end of the year.

"Notably, finished sections include Victoria Street, Cheapside, Market Street, Waverley Street, Mount Hooton Road and all track in Hyson Green.

"Much of the off-street track is done or will be finished this autumn.

"Most of the on-street track laying will be finished by the end of this year, with final sections completed early next year."

Other milestones include the diversion of all pipes and cables and the completion of work on the Robin Hood Line which will allow trams and trains to run alongside each other.

The depot at Wilkinson Street, Basford and the basic structure of a landmark bridge over Canal Street have also been finished.

Work has begun on the park and ride sites at Phoenix Park, Hucknall, Moor Bridge, Wilkinson Street and The Forest.

The first trams came off the production line in August and are now being tested on track and arriving in Nottingham.

Mr Richeux said: "Also significant is the announcement that trams will have conductors instead of ticket machines.

Power system

"The 90 tram crew jobs, involving driving and conducting duties, were advertised last week and already 1,500 applications have been received."

Poles for the overhead power cables will start to go up, followed by stringing the cables themselves, on the off-street section this autumn and on-street from later this year.

The whole power system will go live from next March and trams will be begin trial running to test for safety in July.

The first public tram services is expected to start from November 2003.