The rail replacement works at Hillsborough and Shalesmoor have been completed ahead of time, but unfortunately through services on South Yorkshire Supertram will be unable to resume until the original planned date of Sunday 1st November 2026. The works had started on Saturday 24th October and had been scheduled to continue until the end of Saturday 31st October but good progress was made leading to finishing works taking place on Thursday 29th October and road reopening on Friday 30th October.
When the line beyond Shalesmoor to Malin Bridge and Middlewood reopen on 1st November it still won’t be a full service operating on the tramway though as the former mine shaft discovered at Birley Lane continues to cause issues on the Blue route out to Halfway.
There hasn’t been an update from SYMCA for a few weeks but until such a time as a way to repair the issue, and ensure there are no other shafts in the area, there will not be a return for trams.
The disruption has caused concerns amongst traders at Crystal Peaks shopping centre who have said their trade has been impacted by the removal of the tram service with the replacement – and service – bus services apparently not able to cope with the numbers who would usually go by tram.
Finishing works take place at Hillsborough on 29th October as the mechanics of the points on the crossover are studied.
More work on the points.
The following day and all work is completed, contractors have gone as have the barriers. This is the Hillsborough crossover and surrounding track which has now been replaced.
The Middlewood bound track at Hillsborough tram stop is also now completed. The sign on the left gives information on the closure and alternative travel during this period. (All Photographs by Stuart Cooke)