Major Supertram network improvements progressing well

Work to improve a major junction on the Supertram network is making strong progress and is now expected to be completed earlier than previously advertised, marking another milestone in the delivery of a £110 million investment programme to improve the network for passengers.

The essential works are renewing the major junction of all tram routes, known as the Delta junction, which sits within the Park Square roundabout, near to Fitzalan Square, in Sheffield city centre. The Delta junction is of vital importance to the network with over 440 trams running across it every day, serving all lines on the network.

The works involve installing new track, points, signalling equipment and pedestrian crossings. Works are also taking place near Hyde Park to replace the tracks as they cross Bernard Road.

Our teams have been working around the clock to minimise the impact of disruption to the network, with good progress being made on the project.  As a result, we are now expecting the works will be completed on Thursday 27 August - meaning the full network will now be open for the Bank Holiday weekend – helping people travel to major events such as the Rock N Roll Circus weekend at Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl and Sheffield Wednesday’s home game against Bromley.

Services are expected to start using the new trackwork from midday on Thursday 27 August with normal service resuming over the course of the afternoon – replacement buses will allow passengers to make their journey along the network in the morning.

Up until 27 August, customers are reminded to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys as replacement buses are running to help keep people moving to those areas which cannot be served by the tram network during the works.

The £3.5 million of improvements this summer are part of the South Yorkshire People’s Network vision – creating a better-connected public transport system that makes it easier, greener and more reliable for people to travel. Investing in Supertram is a key part of building a network that links communities to jobs, education and opportunities.

The works were scheduled during the school summer holidays when passenger numbers on the network are lower.

Melanie Corcoran, Executive Director of Transport at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: "Our multi-million-pound investment is creating a more reliable network for all of us who depend on Supertram every day. The investment is essential if we're going to build a tram network that is fit for the future and will serve us well in the next 30 years.

"We know carrying out this work has meant some disruption during the school holidays. We're grateful for everyone’s understanding while it's completed – and we’re pleased the works are now expected to finish before the Bank Holiday weekend.

"Supertram is at the heart of the South Yorkshire People's Network that we're building together – creating a public transport system that is more reliable, better connected and makes it easier for everyone to get to work, education and opportunities."

From now until 27 August, all tram services are operating to revised routes and timetables. Replacement buses are running between Cathedral and Granville Road for connection to the Purple and Blue routes, and between Cathedral and Woodbourn Road for the Yellow and Tram Train routes.

On the evening of Monday 24 August (from 9pm only) additional works mean that Blue route tram services will only run between Malin Bridge and Shalesmoor, and Halfway to Gleadless Townend. Yellow route tram services will only run between Middlewood and Shalesmoor, and Meadowhall and Woodbourn Road. Purple route services will be suspended, and Tram Train services will only operate between Parkgate and Woodbourn Road. Customers are advised that from 9pm to the end of service, the replacement bus routes (BP1 and YE1) will be extended to serve all affected stops between Shalesmoor and Gleadless Townend/Woodbourn Road.

All valid tram and multi-modal tickets are accepted for travel on all replacement bus services. Customers can buy their ticket in advance using the TSY Mobile app, or from a tram conductor. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased from the bus driver using contactless card or cash payments when boarding. Separately, children between 5-15 can travel free on the Supertram system over the month of August.

Longer journey times are likely, particularly during peak periods. To minimise disruption, we recommend those travelling in the area plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Customers can find out more about the replacement bus services and view their timetables via Travel South Yorkshire's Fitzalan Square travel information or our online Timetable Finder.