Sheffield facing half term tram disruption as bosses confirm engineering works
Bosses describe work set to start across the network
Sheffield is set to be hit by another wave of tram disruption - just in time for the school half term.
Supertram bosses say the next stage of a £110 million improvement plan will start today(Saturday, October 24), and continue throughout the week.
The works will replace worn rails, switches and crossings – also known as points – near Hillsborough Interchange and Shalesmoor tram stops.
They are the final planned works of 2026, following the replacement of 1.6 miles mile of track this year.
It is part of the wider programme to upgrade the trams, track, control systems and power supplies, in addition to the recently opened Tram Train station at Magna.
Work will be carried out from Saturday, October 24 to Saturday, October 31, affecting part of the Blue and Yellow route tram services with a replacement bus service running.
Services are expected to return to their normal route and timetable from start of service on Sunday, November 1.
Melanie Corcoran, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Executive Director of Transport, said: “We’ve invested £36 million this year in the seven areas of track renewal works, including the major project to replace the Delta junction in the city centre, which finished ahead of schedule this summer.
“The latest works are the last rail replacement project of 2026 and by scheduling the works over the school holiday, when the tram network is quieter, we aim to keep disruption to passengers and road users to a minimum.
“As we continue to build the South Yorkshire People’s Network, there’ll be more improvements to come in 2027 including refurbished trams and improved passenger information. Our on-going multi-million-pound investment in Supertram is essential to extend the life of the network and improve services – making sure this busy service remains safe and reliable for the millions of passengers who use it every year.”
SYMCA now manages the city’s tram network.
Revised timetable:
> Blue route tram services will run between Shalesmoor and Herdings Park , operating at the normal frequency of up to every 12 minutes
> Purple route tram services will be replaced by the Blue route between Cathedral and Herdings Park.
> Yellow route tram services will run between Cathedral and Meadowhall Interchange, operating at the normal frequency of up to every 12 minutes
> Tram Train services will run as normal
Replacement bus service :
Dedicated tram replacement bus services, BL2 and YE1 will operate to help people make their journeys between Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31 inclusive.
The BL2 service will run between Malin Bridge and Shalesmoor, where customers can connect with tram services, serving limited bus stops located near all the affected tram stops along the route.
The YE1 service will run between Middlewood and Cathedral, where customers can connect with tram services.
All valid tram and multi-modal tickets will be accepted for travel on the BL2 and YE1 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 BL2 and YE1 bus driver using contactless card or cash payments when boarding.
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.
Road closures
There will also be a number of road closures due to the works.
The closures will be near Hillsborough Interchange and Shalesmoor tram stop and will mean that general traffic and local bus services will be disrupted. Signed diversions will be in place.
Buses will continue to serve Hillsborough Interchange where possible, but there may be some stand changes to accommodate diverted bus services, and some services may use alternative nearby bus stops.
Officials are warning anyone travelling in the area throughout the works should allow extra time for their journey as the road closures may cause congestion at busier times.
Birley Lane works
The disruption comes at a time when a section of the network is already closed because of a mine shaft being discovered under tracks, near Birley Lane.
Blue route services are currently suspended between Gleadless Townend and Halfway.
While investigation works are being carried out to repair it, Blue route trams are being re-routed to serve Herdings Park and a replacement bus service (BL1) is operating between Halfway and Gleadless Townend.