HS2

19.04.17

NR completes crucial Sheffield tram-train track connection

Network Rail has reached a landmark point on the delayed tram-train project in South Yorkshire as engineers installed the physical link between the tram and the heavy rail network over the Easter weekend.

The critical piece of track sits at the start of a new 400m section of track, the Tinsley Chord, and will allow services to move from the tram network on to the regular rail tracks seamlessly between Sheffield and Rotherham from 2018.

The news follows testing starting earlier this month as the first count of tram-trains were introduced on to both the tram and train network.

Simon Coulthard, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said the work represented an exciting step forward for the tram-train project which has seen many setbacks and finally set its completion date in February this year.

“Tram-train is an entirely new way of travelling for the UK and will allow us to improve how we meet the needs of the communities and economies our transport networks serve,” Coulthard said.

“This is a challenging project and there is still much to do, including the construction of the tram stops at Rotherham Central and Parkgate and the completion of the overhead line power system.”

He added that the work completed over Easter was a “crucial step forward,” as Network Rail continues to work with its partners to deliver the full tram-train service from Sheffield city centre to Rotherham Central and Parkgate next year.

Stephen Edwards, executive director at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, added: “The track connection completed at Easter marks an exciting milestone for South Yorkshire’s scheme, and is a significant part of the construction that will turn years of meticulous planning into Britain’s first operational tram-train service.”

In addition, work has also begun on College Road Bridge, another important point in the network, in Rotherham over the bank holiday. The bridge will be demolished and replaced during the late May bank holiday (Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May) in order to raise it and provide space for the OLE underneath. 

To complete the work safely, trains from Meadowhall to Swinton will not stop at Rotherham Central, passengers will be offered a bus replacement service.

Transport authorities across the country, including Manchester’s Metrolink, hope that success with the tram-train pilot in Sheffield could open the door for similar projects on other local networks.

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.

Comments

Andrew Gwilt   19/04/2017 at 14:41

So when will the Sheffield Supertram Tram-Trains start its service to Rotherham. Will it start operating from late September or possibly early November this year or January next year as 7 Class 399's Tram-Train vehicles are built and to be delivered ready for the Rotherham service once the electrification is completed.

David   19/04/2017 at 15:47

Andrew, the article says 2018. No need to guess a month. Hopefully the trams themselves will be in passenger service soon as the additional units are sorely needed.

Andrew Gwilt   19/04/2017 at 17:05

Didn't see the article that said 2018. But thanks David.

L Clarke   21/04/2017 at 13:45

Can i ask why there are Thousands of pounds being wasted on raising bridges, When there is a paint which can be put under the bridge above the lines to stop any problems? I have heard that a contractor, GLS are already doing this work.

Billd   21/04/2017 at 14:36

I don't see what al the fuss is about. We've had metro vehicles running onto and off NR metals in the north-east for years. There can be little difference between the Tyne & Wear units and the tram-trains/Class 399 vehicles mixing in with heavy rail vehicles. Someone seems to be making a fortune out of this project. JFDI!

Add your comment

rail technology magazine tv

more videos >

latest rail news

HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

11/09/2020HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

HS2 Ltd have announced today (11 Sept) the first five revolutionary tech firms that will join HS2 Ltd’s Innovation Accelerator programme. ... more >
Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

11/09/2020Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

Network Rail have released their interim Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy, illustrating its preliminary recommendations for decarbonisin... more >
Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

11/09/2020Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

Avanti West Coast have taken an unlikely option to allow their timetable to run, without delays, despite damaged overhead wires. The operato... more >

last word

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

This summer, Arriva Group's CrossCountry and the Scout Association joined to launch a new partnership to promote rail safety among young people. Chris Leech MBE, business community manager at the... more > more last word articles >

'the sleepers' daily blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s network of independent repair facilities across the UK and further afield in its global network. ... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >
Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

02/07/2019Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

Smart electrification is the way to boost clean energy resources, argues Leo Murray, director at 10:10 Climate Action. Contractors are clear... more >
Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

02/07/2019Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

The TCR Midlands conference is only days away and tickets are going fast for the sector event of the year at the Vox Conference Centre in Birming... more >

rail industry focus

View all News

interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio 4's BBC’s flagship news programme that he wo... more >