Next stage of Supertram network improvements planned over summer school holidays starts soon
Further investment into the Supertram system will take place during the final two weeks of the summer school holidays, drawing to completion a significant investment into the network this summer.
These essential works to replace worn rails will enhance and future proof the network, ensuring it can remain reliable for the millions of customers who use the network every year.
It follows a commitment by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to invest over £110m by 2027 including upgrades to the trams, track, control systems and power supplies alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna.
Works are currently progressing well on Ridgeway Road and are due to be completed on Friday 15 August, with Blue and Purple tram services expected to return to their usual timetable on Saturday 16 August.
The next stage of works will begin on Middlewood Road – running from Sunday 17 August to Friday 29 August.
Melanie Corcoran, SYMCA’s Executive Director of Transport, said: “These works are part of SYMCA’s ongoing investment in Supertram. By scheduling works over the summer and school holidays when the tram network has lower passenger numbers, we hope to minimise any passenger and traffic disruption and keep people moving while this work progresses.
“The rail replacement on Middlewood Road will be the final works to be completed this summer. By investing in the Supertram system, we’re increasing the longevity of the region’s tram network and ensuring the safe operation of this popular service for the millions of people who use it every year.”
Rail replacement works along Middlewood Road:
The rail replacement works are essential to replace worn rails which will ensure trams can continue to operate safely for years to come. The new rails will give passengers a better travel experience by improving comfort, reducing noise, and minimising the risk of unplanned closures on the network.
These essential works will be undertaken along Middlewood Road between the Sheffield Wednesday Training Ground and the junction of Hillsborough Grove. To allow these to be completed safely, Yellow route tram services will be subject to alteration from Sunday 17 August to Friday 29 August inclusive.
The majority of the Supertram network will run as normal during the works, with the exception of the Yellow Route which will run a revised service as follows:
- Yellow Route tram services will run as normal between Meadowhall Interchange and Hillsborough Interchange, then divert to Malin Bridge, operating at the normal frequency of up to every 12 minutes. A dedicated tram replacement bus service will operate between Hillsborough Interchange and Middlewood (more details below).
- Blue Route tram services will run as normal
- Purple Route tram services will run as normal
- Tram Train services will run as normal except on Saturday evenings whilst the construction works for the new Magna Tram Train Station and Park & Ride facility take place (visit the Magna webpage for details).
The Yellow Route is expected to return to its usual timetable on Saturday 30 August following completion of the works.
Middlewood Park & Ride will remain open throughout with posters advising customers of the changes to tram services.
Dedicated tram replacement bus service
A dedicated tram replacement bus service, YE1, will operate to help people make their journeys between Sunday 17 August and Friday 29 August inclusive.
The YE1 service will run between Hillsborough Interchange and Middlewood up to every 12 minutes, in line with the tram timetable, serving limited bus stops located near all the affected tram stops along the route.
All valid tram and multi-modal tickets will be accepted for travel on the YE1 replacement bus service. Customers can buy their ticket in advance using the TSY Mobile app, or from a tram conductor. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the YE1 bus driver using contactless card or cash payments when boarding.
Customers can find out more about the replacement bus service and view the YE1 timetable via the Middlewod renewal works webpage or our online Timetable Finder.
Traffic and local bus services
These essential rail replacement works on Middlewood Road, Hillsborough, will require road closures and traffic management and some changes to bus service 57 (Stagecoach) which will be diverted during the works, due to a one-way road closure on Middlewood Road.
More information can be found at the Middlewod renewal works webpage.
