Sheffield transport set to be transformed after £50 million investment in travel plans

In a new project that is being launched, ‘Connecting Sheffield’ will encompass a range of transport schemes focused on delivering change in the city’s walking, cycling and public infrastructure, while encouraging active travel and supporting the shift towards sustainable transport.

In a statement, Sheffield City Council said the new scheme follows a successful bid made by Sheffield City Region supported by the council for funding from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

The funding will also be used to improve public transport, walking and cycling links to encourage people to leave their car at home.

“The funding will deliver the first major step in the council’s vision to transform travel in Sheffield and make it possible for more people to choose walking, cycling and public transport first.

"The reduction in a reliance on car journeys, is a priority for the city’s future, not only to help ease congestion but to help address climate change and improve air quality in Sheffield. Future funding will support further schemes brought forward in subsequent phases.”

The council said the first phase of the project will focus on key areas that have been identified as locations where people are making short car journeys from home to work in the city centre and Lower Down Valley, including Neepsend, Kelham and Nether Edge.

The proposed schemes will enable these to be made more safely by cycling, especially for shorter trips, and more quickly and reliably by bus.

The Transforming Cities Fund will also focus on improving travel links through the following schemes: Across the city centre, Neepesend & Kelham to the city centre Nether Edge to the city centre, Magna to Tinsley, the city centre to Attercliffe and Darnall and On Abbeydale Road and Ecclesall Road.

However, all of the proposed schemes will be subject to public consultation, and the feedback received will help to inform the development of the routes identified.

Under the current terms of the funding from the Department for Transport, all work must be completed by March 2023.

Cllr Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Development at Sheffield City Council, said: “Connecting Sheffield is a major first step in overhauling our transport network to put walking, cycling and public transport at the forefront of travel choices available in our city.

“We know that for lots of people, travelling by car is sometimes the only feasible way of getting from A to B, but we want to make sure that walking, cycling and public transport offer a realistic option, especially for getting to work and for shorter journeys."

Despite current restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said bus services will also remain a crucial part in Sheffield’s transport infrastructure into the future.

Dame Sarah Storey, Sheffield City Region Active Travel Commissioner, said: “I am delighted to see Sheffield launch Connecting Sheffield which will deliver their active travel plans over the coming years.”

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region also said the fund will help to achieve ambition of a transport system for South Yorkshire that is fit for the 21st century.

For more information about Connecting Sheffield, visit here.