Sheffield Tram-Train trial slips again

The Tram-Train pilot scheme in South Yorkshire has slipped once more.

In a joint statement in mid-November, Network Rail and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive told RAIL: “Tram-Train passenger services will commence later than the spring 2016 date originally programmed. This is due to delays in the design of the works required to adapt the heavy rail network to accommodate the Tram-Train service.”

The trial will run along Sheffield Supertram tracks from the centre of the city close to the Meadowhall South tram stop, from where a short line will link to the ‘heavy’ railway through Rotherham Central station and then to a terminus at the Parkgate retail park.

Originally, a trial on the Huddersfield-Penistone line was to have begun in 2010 (RAIL 697, 726, 736). When the firm go-ahead for the scheme was finally given in May 2012, the trial was due to start in 2015. A year ago the opening date was set to be early 2016, later refined to spring 2016.

A revised programme is expected to be announced shortly. In the meantime, “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 under way”.

• For more information, see RAIL 762, published November 26.