Dublin's new Luas docklands tram line will open next month, the Rail Procurement Agency has announced.

The project, which has spanned several years, is nearing the end of phase five.

Once all testing is complete, the line will go active from 8 December.

On-site construction teams have worked to complete civil, electrical and systems works in recent months.

"The upgrading of the control systems for the existing Red Line and Green Line is complete and the Line C1 systems have been successfully commissioned," an RPA spokesman said.

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The Docklands Line C1 has now become part of the existing Red Line and will be referred to as the Red Line in future.

The operator, Veolia Transport Ireland Ltd, has started the tram testing and driver training on the new extension.

Phase five began in June 2007, when RPA contractors commenced the construction of the railway infrastructure in accordance with the detailed design drawings and the requirements of the Railway Order.

Construction works over the last two and a half years included utility diversion works; track construction; George’s Dock Bridge upgrading; Spencer Dock Bridge construction; civil works and stop construction; and systems installation.

Testing and commissioning the system, which commenced in September, will continue for the rest of this month.

"Following the successful pre-operational testing of Luas Line C1, RPA will begin passenger service on the new line before Christmas 2009," added the RPA spokesman.

(PR/GK)