Two-year lane closure on Sheffield Parkway not set to end until 2027, council confirm
"We recognise that this lane closure has been in place for some time and can be frustrating for drivers”
A lane on a busy dual carriageway into Sheffield that has been closed for two years is not set to reopen until next year.
The leftmost lane of the A630 Rotherham Gateway, which becomes the Sheffield Parkway as motorists head towards Sheffield, has been closed since early 2024.
The route is the main carriageway connecting Rotherham and the M1 to the Sheffield Parkway and into the city centre, but for the last two years has been partially cordoned off.
Rotherham Council previously confirmed that the closure was needed due to safety concerns as the section of road runs across a bridge over a railway line. The council has now told The Star that it is not set to open until 2027.
Simon Moss, service director, planning, regeneration and transport at Rotherham Council said: "The lane closure on the A630 Parkway at Old Flatts Bridge is in place to keep motorists safe following an inspection of the bridge.
"As the bridge spans a live railway, strict national safety requirements apply before any work can take place. A temporary safety barrier has been installed, which requires part of the road to remain closed to ensure there is enough space to protect motorists in the event of a collision.
"We recognise that this lane closure has been in place for some time and can be frustrating for drivers. The council is working closely with Network Rail on plans for permanent repairs, as any work over a live railway requires detailed design work, approvals and specialist access arrangements.
"We expect the design work to be completed by the end of this year, with repair work expected to move to the next stage in early 2027 as we appoint a contractor to carry out the work.
"The measures remain necessary to ensure the continued safety of road users and the railway beneath the bridge."
In February this year, it was reported that the repair scheme would cost an estimated £2.5 million, with the council having only £600,000 available at the time.
An additional £1.9 million in funding to complete the repair work has been approved in the council’s 2026/27 budget.