RAIL REPLACEMENT WORKS REACH FINAL STAGE AT CRYSTAL PEAKS

Published 11 September 2020 at 5:32pm

MULTI-MILLION pound investment work to future-proof and extend the lifespan of the Supertram network will move to the Crystal Peaks area of Sheffield on Tuesday 15 September, reaching the final stage of a three year project.

Essential engineering works to replace worn Supertram rails are moving to Crystal Peaks bus and office entrance, and the Elcroft Gardens area, from Tuesday 15 September.

Blue route services will run between Malin Bridge and Donetsk Way only, with a revised timetable, until Sunday 4 October. Tram stops between Donetsk Way and Halfway will not be served.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience whilst these essential works are taking place. We’re pleased to be reaching the conclusion of this important three-year investment programme to future-proof and extend the lifespan of the Supertram network. It will allow Supertram, one of the region’s most iconic modes of transport, to continue to play a crucial role in connecting people to jobs, education and leisure opportunities. The new rails will also benefit customers with improved comfort and reduced noise on the network.” said Tim Taylor, Director of Customer Services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

Tim Bilby, Managing Director for Supertram, says: “We’d like to remind customers to avoid peak times and protect everyone by following the government guidelines on social distancing wherever possible, both on vehicles and while waiting at stops and interchanges. Remember to wash or sanitise hands before and after getting on board and make sure you wear a face covering, unless you’re exempt.”

Purple route services will not be affected by the works and will run a revised timetable. The Yellow route will not be affected and will run its full normal timetable and Tram Train services will operate to the current Covid-19 revised timetable.

A dedicated tram replacement service (BL3) will run up to every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday and up to every 20 minutes on Sundays, serving the Blue route tram stops between Birley Moor and Halfway, connecting to the tram network at Birley Moor Road. Supertram tickets, including Stagecoach bus/tram tickets, will be valid on BL3. Halfway Park and Ride will remain open and free for use whilst works take place. Customers can buy their travel ticket on board.

Stagecoach will accept Tram Only tickets on buses in Sheffield travelling in areas where the tram normally runs.

This final stage of works will mark the completion of the three-year programme of rail replacement carried out by SYPTE’s contractor, VolkerRail. 

Information about the works, service updates and alternatives is available online at travelsouthyorkshire.com/RailReplacement and travelsouthyorkshire.com/disruptions.

The most up to date public transport information is available at travelsouthyorkshire.com/servicechanges. Passengers will also be able to find information via twitter @TSYalerts or by calling Traveline on 01709 515151. Tram timetable and route information will be available at supertram.com or via twitter @SCSupertram.