Hole under Sheffield tram track will not be fixed “this side of Christmas” as mayor seeking solutions
The Mayor of South Yorkshire shared his thoughts on the progress of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, hopes for business rates reform and a continuing problem with a hole under the tram tracks in his monthly Q&A
South Yorkshire’ s Mayor has confirmed a problem entirely cutting off part of Sheffield’s tram network is not likely to be fixed this year, as commuters raise their frustrations.
In his monthly Q&A with The Star, Mayor Oliver Coppard was questioned on a range of subjects concerning the people of South Yorkshire.
One recurring subject raised by readers related to ongoing disruptions on the blue route on the city’s tram network after a well was discovered under the tracks near Birley Lane in August.
“The honest truth is we don't think we're going to be able to get to a solution this side of Christmas,” the mayor said.
“We are working as quickly as we humanly can to be able to solve this problem.”
Mayor Coppard said that the situation requires a more complicated fix than it may first appear.
Workers are currently working to establish the exact depth of the hole - which is understood to be a well or mine shaft dating back to the Victorian era - and if it connects to any wider networks.
Once confirmed it will inform what type of materials and response is required for construction, the mayor explained, and he is focused on delivering a safe and complete repair, he said.
He said the hole cannot simply be filled with cement.
He added: “I've seen some people make these suggestions online and with all due respect to those people I'm not sure they are engineers - but you know if they are, come and talk to me if you think you've got a better idea.
“But look you can't just shovel concrete down there or rubble because unless and until you know what's down there and where it connects you could contaminate the water base the the water system by putting in concrete and it leaks into, seeps into people's water supply.
“We absolutely don't want that.”
Meanwhile, ahead of the Q&A, separate concerns were raised by readers over how alternative transport provisions are currently running.
Replacement buses have been offered to attempt to support areas affected by the blue route disruptions, however businesses at Crystal Peaks shopping centre have complained about a drop in trade while local councillors have received complaints from residents about the reliability of buses.
Other concerns were voiced around inadequate bus stops not offering protection from the weather and buses getting stuck in traffic causing delays to the timetable.
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Mayor Coppard admits the current provisions are “not perfect” and argues this is why the city’s Supertram network is so important.
“I ask my team every day for an update about where we are and how we’re getting on,” he adds.
“They’re dealing with this as quickly and as safely as they can, but safety has to be paramount and that’s the honest truth of it.
“We’ve put in the busses in order to allow people to still get to Crystal Peaks, I’m going up to Crystal Peaks later this week to talk to some of the traders and have a conversation with them about anything more they think we can do in order to support them over the Christmas period.
“But ultimately, we’ve got to do it properly and safely and get it back as quickly as possible and that’s what we’re doing.
“We will spend what we need to and make sure we’re doing that in the right way, but we’re getting there as quickly as we can.”