Rail Replacement to Resume on Supertram Network

29th March 2019

Essential works to extend the lifespan and future-proof the Supertram network will resume in April for the second phase of the current three year-long project.

The next phase of the essential works to replace 22 kilometres of worn Supertram tracks will start on Good Friday, 19 April, and is due to finish by the end of August. This year's works will be split into five areas mainly around Shalesmoor and Hillsborough sections of the tram network. -These rail replacement works, a project started in 2013 and resumed last year, are essential to extend the lifespan of one of the best loved modes of transport in the region, which began operating 25 years ago. The new rail will give passengers a better Supertram experience - improving comfort and reducing noise in areas where tracks are currently worn, said Tim Taylor, Director of Customer Services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). -Once again, we're asking customers to be patient while the work progresses. We appreciate it will affect passengers, in particular Malin Bridge and Middlewood residents, who will not have a tram service for around four and a half months while the works take place this year. We will, though, continue to work closely with our partners, Stagecoach Supertram, to minimise its impact as much as possible, making sure replacement buses will keep passengers moving. SYPTE will keep customers informed about the works, bus and traffic diversions via its website travelsouthyorkshire.com/RailReplacement and posters at affected tram stops. Passengers will be able to find up-to-date information via twitter @TSYalerts or via Traveline on 01709 515151. Information about tram replacement bus routes and frequency will be available at supertram.com or via twitter @SCSupertram and in leaflets on trams. Area 1 works Works on Area 1, between Hillsborough Corner and Middlewood Road, are set to start over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, affecting both Blue and Yellow routes, which will run a revised timetable from Meadowhall/Halfway, before terminating early at Hillsborough tram stop. Purple and Tram-train routes will not be affected during this period. Between Friday 19 and Monday 22 April, works will focus on Hillsborough Corner. Replacement bus service Y1 will operate throughout the Bank Holiday weekend on a circular route from Middlewood Park & Ride to Malin Bridge. Passengers can transfer from rail replacement services to tram services via a bus stop at Holme Lane, a short walk from Hillsborough tram stop. From Tuesday 23 April until Sunday 26 May, works will be focused on the section between Hillsborough and Hillsborough Park tram stops. To minimise passenger disruptions, B1 shuttle bus service will operate between Malin Bridge and Hillsborough Interchange and Y1 replacement bus service will operate from Hillsborough Interchange to Middlewood, via Middlewood Road. From Monday 27 May to Sunday 2 June, works are moving to the outbound rail on Middlewood Road adjacent to Dudley Road. The B1 shuttle bus will carry on operating between Malin Bridge and Hillsborough Interchange but, this time, Y1 will run from Hillsborough Interchange to Middlewood via Worrall Road due to traffic restrictions. Replacement bus timetables and route maps are currently available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/RailReplacement and will soon be available in leaflets on trams. Tram frequency and times will change on the Yellow and Blue routes throughout the Area 1 works to allow more time for trams to turn at Hillsborough. The Y1 and B1 replacement bus services will match the frequency of the trams throughout the day. James Stewart, Head of Customer Service at Stagecoach Supertram said: -We'd like to extend our thanks and gratitude to our customers for their patience during the upcoming work. We understand that this may cause some disruption, but the work is essential and will help to sustain the network for years to come. Malin Bridge and Middlewood Park & Ride sites will remain open and will be made free of charge during the works on Area 1. Customers will just need to buy their travel tickets on board the replacement bus service.