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Sheffield to Rotherham tram-train delayed

The launch date for the tram-train pilot running between Sheffield and Rotherham has been delayed again – with no new date set.

The plan for flexible vehicles to run on both rail and tram networks, using the freight route from Rotherham and then joining the Sheffield Supertram network at Meadowhall South, was scheduled to launch in spring of 2016, after being delayed from 2015. Now the £60m project, to be operated by Stagecoach, will no longer meet even that new deadline, due to problems with the design work to adapt the heavy rail network to allow tram-train style service.

When it is up and running, three trams an hour will run all day from Sheffield city centre through the redeveloped Rotherham Central station to Parkgate retail park.

The pilot project was originally announced by the Department for Transport in May 2012, with final approval for the contracts between the project partners (SYPTE , the DfT, Network Rail, Northern Rail and Stagecoach Supertram) granted in June 2013. The original announcement said the project “will see tram-trains operating between the cities of Rotherham and Sheffield from 2015”.

A joint statement from SYPTE (the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive) and Network Rail announcing the delay said: “Network Rail, who are responsible for these works, are presently undertaking a detailed assessment of their delivery programme, and the project partners are committed to working with Network Rail to mitigate the delay as far as possible. Some of the delay arises from the project’s relationship with other heavy rail investment programmes in order to maximise efficiencies, such as signalling control.

“Good progress is being made on other aspects of the project, with vehicles being manufactured and works to the tramway and depot to accommodate tram-trains well underway.”

Carillion have been working on design and establishment works for the project, including a stop at Stonerow Way, the road that runs behind Parkgate Shopping retail park, and the lowering of tracks at three bridges to accommodate overhead power lines. At the redeveloped station in Rotherham town centre additional platforms and access ramps will also be constructed.

Last year RTM spoke to Dr Paul Allen, assistant director of the Institute of Rail Research at the University of Huddersfield and project manager for work on an optimal interface for the tram-train pilot in Sheffield, who explained some of the challenges in adapting vehicles to run on both light and heavy rail networks.

Tram-train’s proponents hope to eventually emulate the success of cities like Kassel and Karlsruhe in Germany, and Mulhouse in France, where it has proven very successful.

(Above photo from Karlsruhe: Gregorius Mundus. Creative Commons)

SYPTE is procuring seven new dual voltage vehicles (750V DC and 25kV AC) for the pilot project from Vossloh España, using tram-trains that are part of the Citylink family, as are being provided to Karlsruhe.

(Above: Former transport minister Norman Baker at the announcement of the Vossloh deal last summer. Picture: SYPTE)

Vossloh is building the new tram-trains at its Albuixech plant near Valencia and will deliver them next year. Maintenance will be by Vossloh at the existing Nunnery depot.

Each three-section Citylink vehicle is 37.2m long, 2.65m wide and they have low-floor doors.

The Sheffield tram network has some tight curves and tough gradients, presenting unique challenges for the vehicles, which have on-board systems for both tramway and heavy rail operations.

A revised timetable for the launch of Sheffield to Rotherham tram-trains is due to be announced before the end of this year.

Other areas considering the feasibility of train-tram service include Greater Manchester, which last year approved plans to develop a train-tram strategy, and West Yorkshire where the all-party parliamentary light rail group was pushing for a tram-train link from Leeds to Leeds-Bradford International Airport.

The Manchester Metrolink network already contains a stretch of trackbed – between Altrincham and Timperley – that is used by both light rail and heavy rail vehicles. (Note: this paragraph was edited for clarification)

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