Next stage of Supertram network improvements taking place 

The next stage of the £110 million investment work to improve the Supertram network will be taking place this weekend (27 to 28 June).

The essential works will replace worn rails as part of the programme to upgrade the trams, track, control systems and power supplies, alongside the recently completed Tram Train station at Magna.

Improvements will take place in the Waterthorpe area on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June – meaning trams will not run on the Blue Route between Drake House Lane/Beighton and Halfway. A replacement bus service will run during the works.

The works will not affect tram services on other routes across the weekend. 

Melanie Corcoran, SYMCA’s Executive Director of Transport, said: “By scheduling the works over the weekend, when the tram network is quieter, we aim to keep disruption to passengers and road users to a minimum.

“The rail replacement works at Waterthorpe are the fourth phase of upgrades this year, following successful work completed over Easter and the Bank Holidays in May.

“Our on-going multi-million-pound investment in Supertram is essential to extending the life of the network – making sure this busy service remains safe and reliable for the millions of passengers who use it every year.”

Changes to Blue Route tram services on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June

During the works, the Supertram network will run a revised timetable, and services will operate as follows:

1. Blue route tram services will run between Malin Bridge and Drake House Lane/Beighton at the normal frequency of up to every 12 minutes
   • Services will not be able to operate between Drake House Lane/Beighton and Halfway – a replacement bus service will be in operation.
2. Purple and Yellow route and Tram Train services will all run as normal

Halfway Park & Ride site will not be served by trams during these works and customers will have to use the replacement bus service provided, or use an alternative Park & Rise site.

Blue route services are expected to return to their normal route and timetable from start of service on Monday 29 June.

Customers can find out more about the works and the impact on tram services on the Watherthorpe Network Improvement page. 

Alternative travel options

Dedicated tram replacement bus service  

A dedicated tram replacement bus service, BL1, will operate between Crystal Peaks and Halfway to help people make their journeys on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June.

The replacement bus service will operate up to every 12 minutes, serving limited stops along the route, and is timetabled to tie in with tram services at Crystal Peaks.

Customers travelling towards Halfway are advised to get off the tram at Crystal Peaks to connect with the replacement bus service for onward travel.

All valid tram and multi-modal tickets will be accepted for travel on the BL1 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 BL1 bus driver using contactless card or cash payments when boarding.  

Free travel is available on National Armed Forces Day (Saturday 27 June) on Supertram services and the BL1 replacement bus service. This offer is for serving Armed Forces personnel in uniform or with valid military ID, veterans with a Veterans’ Badge, veterans’ ID card, or wearing medals and cadets in uniform attending Armed Forces Day events.

You can find out more about the replacement bus service and view the BL1 timetable on the Watherthorpe Network Improvement page or our online Timetable Finder.

Road closures 

Owlthorpe Greenway will be closed at the junction with Eckington Way during the rail replacement works. 

The road closure will affect the following local bus services: 

• 30, 30A and X30 (TM Travel)
• 120k (First)

These services will divert via Owlthorpe Greenway, Holbrook Avenue, and Eckington Way in both directions.

Further information about bus service diversions is available on our dedicated Watherthorpe Network Improvement page. 

Anyone travelling in the area throughout the works should allow extra time for their journey as the road closure may cause congestion at busier times.