TRAVEL: Sheffield Supertram route to close due to Tram Train engineering works

The works are part of the Tram Train scheme which will run from Sheffield city centre to Rotherham Central and Parkgate. The line is expected to open in 2017.

Engineers have carried out much of the works overnight but South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive have said the more ‘complex’ phase will have to be done in the daytime.

The works are will start between Cricket Inn Road and Meadowhall on Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17.

Revised timetables and services are planned to operate on the Yellow and Purple Supertram Routes on January, 16, 17, 30 and 31 and February 13, 14, 27 and 28.

Blue Route Supertram services between Malin Bridge and Halfway are unaffected.

The YX, Y1 and L1 bus services are set to replace trams during the works.

Line alterations began in October 2015.

A South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive spokesman said: “Parts of the existing Supertram track are being adapted to allow Tram Train to run because the wheels are a different size to that of an existing tram.

“Areas of more complex work cannot be completed overnight and weekend closures are necessary.

“The first weekend closure took place between Meadowhall South and Meadowhall Interchange on Sunday 10 January.”

The Tram Train pilot is being delivered by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Stagecoach Supertram, Network Rail, Northern Rail, and the Department for Transport.