TRAM-TRAIN PROJECT DELAYED
Published at 14:54 on Wednesday 12th November 2014
Tags: Supertram, Sheffield, Light Rail, Network Rail, Vossloh
Once the new Vossloh tram-train sets are delivered they will be used on pure Supertam services until the Network Rail works are completed and testing work can commence to Rotherham. Richard Tuplin
The proposed Tram-Train trial due to commence from early 2016 is running behind schedule according to the latest reports from South Yorkshire PTE (SYPTE) and Network Rail.
A joint statement from SYPTE and Network Rail said: “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.”
Network Rail is responsible for these works and the statement continued to say that the organisation was undertaking a detailed assesment of its delivery programme. SYPTE, along with the project partners, says it is committed to working with Network Rail to mitigate the delay as far as possible, some of which has arisen from the project’s relationship with other heavy rail investment programmes.
It is understood that the work to connect the light and heavy rail networks is being undertaken as part of the Sheffield resignalling scheme that will see operation of the area transfer to the Rail Operations Centre. In addition to the link, near to Meadowhall, the line from the new connection to Rotherham Parkgate is also to be electrified, with a new platform being built at Meadowhall South and at Rotherham Parkgate, while the platforms at Rotherham Central will be extended to facilitate the new service.
SYPTE says that good progress is being made on other aspects of the project, with the manufacture of the dual-voltage light rail vehicles underway by Vossloh while works on the tramway and at the depot to accommodate Tram Trains is well underway. Should the new dual-use trams be delivered before the Rotherham service can start, SYPTE says they will be used to increase capacity on the existing tramway. Once operational the Rotherham service is set to run for two years with a view to permanent operation.
