It has now been over two months since an old mineshaft opened up at Birley Lane in Sheffield leading to services on Supertram’s Blue route to Halfway being suspended. Since then investigations have been taking place to see the extent of the issue and to plan repairs and SYMCA have now released another update to give a progress report on what is happening.
The good news is that engineers have now completed their initial investigations into the mineshaft and surrounding group. They are now starting to design a structure which will be needed to safely support the tram tracks above it.
In the latest update SYMCA say: “Checks show the upper part of the shaft is in good condition. However, an obstruction deeper underground has prevented engineers from confirming its full depth, which records suggest could be up to 55 metres.
“Further drilling is now taking place to establish the shaft’s depth and understand the surrounding ground, including confirming the depth and condition of the coal seams and underground water levels. This information is essential to determining the safest and most effective way of infilling the shaft, while ensuring any work does not affect underground water flows.
“Alongside this, ecological surveys and other preparatory work are continuing so construction can begin as soon as the detailed underground investigations are complete and designs approved.”
With the work ongoing it is not currently possible for an estimate to be given as to when trams may return to the full route out to Halfway. SYMCA remain committed to providing updates as and when new information is available.
Whilst the route remains closed a replacement bus service continues to operate between Gleadless Townend and Halfway. A revised timetable was introduced for this service from 1st November following “monitoring and customer feedback”.