Supertram blue route partially suspended after well found under track
Update Friday 25 September
We've completed the first stage of ground investigations at Birley, including drilling boreholes and using specialist scanning technology to build a picture of the shaft and the surrounding ground.
This has given us a much clearer understanding of the ground conditions and the area around the shaft that could be affected. Using this information, our engineers have developed plans to build a temporary working platform above the shaft (subject to approval from the Mining Remediation Authority). This will help us to carry out more detailed investigations deeper within the shaft.
These further investigations are important because the historical information available about the shaft and mine it serves is limited. They will help us better understand what's below ground, including any voids or underground features, so that we can design the most appropriate long-term solution.
We're continuing to make good progress and will provide a further update around timescales and the planned reintroduction of services once the next phase of investigations and design work has been completed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as work continues. Replacement bus services are in service between Gleadless Townend and Halfway, with Supertram tickets accepted.
Update: Thursday 10 September
Thank you for your patience and understanding as work continues to find a fix to the track infrastructure issue near Birley Lane.
Replacement bus services will continue to operate between Gleadless Townend and Halfway, with Supertram tickets accepted. Following passenger feedback, we're also increasing the number of buses along this line of route to get passengers moving as quickly as possible and make sure journeys are as comfortable as they can be in the circumstances.
Since the last update, specialist engineers have been busy carrying out studies and reviewing historical records. The evidence suggests the structure (pictured below) dates back to the late 1800s and may have been linked to a former coal mine. Some records also describe it as a well used for farming purposes.
We are now carrying out the next phase of investigations to understand exactly what's happening beneath the track. This includes drilling boreholes and using specialist scanning technology to build a detailed picture of the shaft and the surrounding ground.
The challenge is that because of the age of the structure, there are still a number of unknowns. We do not yet know its full depth or the condition it’s in. We're working closely with the Mining Remediation Authority and other experts to make sure we fully understand the risks and develop a solution that is safe, permanent and robust.
Once the surveying is complete, we should have a much better understanding of the design solution and the time we think it’ll take to install and get the trams back up and running. We will continue to update as the surveys are undertaken over the next couple of weeks.
Update: Friday 28 August
Engineers investigating the track issue at Birley Lane are continuing detailed surveys after identifying what appears to be a historic well or mine shaft beneath the tram line. Further investigation is required before a timescale for the return of tram services can be confirmed. Replacement bus services remain in operation between Gleadless Townend and Halfway. Read the latest update below.
Engineers investigating the track issue at Birley Lane have identified what appears to be a historic well or mine shaft beneath the tram line, believed to date back to the area's coal mining past.
Specialist engineers are working with the Mining Remediation Authority to better understand the nature of the structure, its condition and any impact it may have on the tram infrastructure. Detailed surveys are currently being carried out on site, while historic records are also being reviewed to establish more information about the feature and identify whether similar structures may exist nearby.
The discovery means repairs are more complex than initially anticipated and will take longer than first hoped. While work is progressing as quickly as possible, further investigation is required before a timeline can be confirmed for the return of tram services through Birley Lane.
Safety remains the priority and any repair work will only proceed once engineers have a full understanding of the issue and have identified the most appropriate long-term solution.
Passengers travelling to and from Halfway should continue to use the replacement bus service operating between Halfway and Gleadless Townend, where connections with tram services are available. Supertram tickets are accepted on replacement bus services.
Following the successful completion of the £3 million Delta Junction track upgrade works, most Supertram services have now returned to their normal routes through Sheffield city centre. However, Blue Route trams will continue to terminate at Herdings Park while work at Birley Lane continues.
We understand this disruption is frustrating for customers and local communities and thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out safely. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Tuesday 25 August
Supertram Blue route services have been partially suspended between Gleadless Townend and Halfway since Sunday 23 August, after engineers investigating a track issue at Birley Lane identified what appears to be an old well beneath the tram line, which likely dates back to when the area was used for coal mining.
It looks like when this section of the Supertram network was built back in the early 1990s, the track was laid directly over it, and as far as we can tell, it wasn’t documented in the records we have today.
This article was first published on 25 August 2026 and updated on 25 September 2026 to reflect the latest engineering investigations and service arrangements.
