Plans announced for extension to 2020 Supertram engineering works

A multi-million pound investment project to future-proof the Supertram network will be extended this summer, adding essential works to replace worn rail at City Road and Manor Top.

Rail replacement works which started at Gleadless Townend on Saturday 25 July are now scheduled to be completed on Monday 14 September 2020.  Planned works will continue along Ridgeway Road to Hollinsend before moving on to City Road, the Spring Lane Curve and finally Manor Top.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) Director of Customer Services, Tim Taylor, said: “This three-year project, to replace sections of worn rail on the Supertram network, is essential for customers to continue to benefit from a safe and reliable tram service. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people are currently travelling by public transport.

“This gives us an opportunity to extend our planned works this summer, while the Supertram network is quieter than usual, removing the need to return to the area in 2021 and minimising disruption to Supertram customers and local residents. We’ll continue to make every effort to complete the works as quickly and safely as possible.”

Dedicated bus service (BL2) will replace trams and revised timetables will operate on the Blue and Purple route for the duration of the works. Yellow route and tram trains are not affected.

While the public transport network is quieter than usual, we are also taking the opportunity to coordinate our works, carried out by contractor VolkerRail, with planned works by Amey and Supertram to further minimise disruption to customers and residents.

The final area of rail replacement works for this year is planned at Crystal Peaks and near Elcroft Gardens from 15 September until 4 October 2020.

Supertram rail replacement project information and service updates are available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/RailReplacement on twitter @TSYalerts or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151. Tram timetable and route information is also available at www.stagecoachbus.com/supertram and via twitter @SCSupertram.

Photo credit: South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive

For today’s rail news from railbusinessdaily.com click here.

Download article