ESSENTIAL TRAM RAIL REPLACEMENT WORKS MOVE TO RIDGEWAY ROAD

Published 22 July 2020 at 6:02pm

MULTI-MILLION pound investment work to future-proof and extend the lifespan of the Supertram network will move to Ridgeway Road at Gleadless Townend area in Sheffield this weekend.  

Essential engineering works to replace worn Supertram rails are moving to Ridgeway Road at Gleadless Townend from Saturday 25 July affecting the Blue and Purple routes. The works will continue along Ridgeway Road through Hollinsend to Manor Top and finally on to the Spring Lane Curve at the junction of City Road until Tuesday 1 September.

“These essential works will ensure that customers continue to benefit from a safe and reliable Supertram network for years to come. The Supertram is one of the region’s most beloved modes of transport and plays a crucial role in connecting people to job, education and leisure opportunities. This will be more important than ever as we recover from this pandemic and people start going back to work,” said Tim Taylor, Director of Customer Services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

“We’re making every effort to minimise the impact of this work on local residents and customers and aim to have the works completed as quickly and safely as possible. Strict controls will be in place to ensure our contractors operate under carefully managed conditions, following the latest government guidelines.”

Tim Bilby, Managing Director for Supertram, says: “We’d like to remind customers to avoid peak times and protect everyone by following the government guidelines on social distancing wherever possible, both on vehicles and while waiting at stops and interchanges. Remember to wash or sanitise hands before and after getting on board and make sure you wear a face covering.”

The Blue route will run between Malin Bridge and Sheffield Station only, with a revised timetable - tram stops between Sheffield Station and Halfway will not be served. The Purple route will be suspended for the duration of these works. The Yellow route will not be affected and will run its full normal timetable. The Tram train service will operate a revised timetable.

A dedicated tram replacement service (BL2) will run up to every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday and up to every 20 minutes on Sundays, serving the Blue route tram stops between the city centre and Halfway and connecting to the tram network at Fitzalan Square (Commercial Street). Halfway Park and Ride will remain open and free for use whilst works take place. Customers can buy their travel ticket on board.

Stagecoach will accept Tram Only tickets on buses in Sheffield travelling in areas where the tram normally runs.

The rail replacement will improve passenger comfort and reduce noise on the network. The final section of rail replacement works for this year is planned between Crystal Peaks bus entrance/Crystal Peaks Office entrance/Elcroft Gardens and is due to take place from Wednesday 2 September until Friday 25 September

The work forms part of the current three-year programme of rail replacement carried out by SYPTE’s contractor, VolkerRail. 

Information about the works, service updates and alternatives is available online at travelsouthyorkshire.com/RailReplacement and travelsouthyorkshire.com/disruptions.

The most up to date public transport information is available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/servicechanges. Passengers will also be able to find information via twitter @TSYalerts or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151. Tram timetable and route information will be available at supertram.com or via twitter @SCSupertram.