Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, has hailed the completion of improvement works on the Supertram network with the extension works having been completed on time and on budget. \u00a323 million was invested in the work \u2013 the first such works since the Mayoral Combined Authority took back control of the network after the ending of Stagecoach\u2019s contract.<\/p>\n
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The works took place in three stages between 20th<\/sup> July and 1st<\/sup> September. They were essential works which will ensure that trams can continue to run safely and will also extend the lifespan of the network.<\/p>\n Oliver Coppard said: \u201cAfter 27 years South Yorkshire\u2019s Supertram came back under public control in March.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, we are making huge strides in our journey back to a public transport system that puts people first, connects our communities and helps us to build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire.<\/p>\n \u201cThe investments into Supertram we made over the summer are a huge part of that journey, helping us to create a safe, reliable network that people will be able to use and enjoy for generations to come.<\/p>\n \u201cBut this is just the start of our journey to a truly integrated transport network that connects all our communities to the huge opportunities that exist right across South Yorkshire.\u201d<\/p>\n Included amongst the work was:<\/p>\n The works were completed by VolkerRail, a specialist railway company based in Doncaster.<\/p>\n Sam Allen, General Manager for VolkerRail, said: \u201cWe want to thank the local community for their understanding and their support throughout the summer rail replacement works. Our team worked around the clock to bring disruption for passengers to a minimum, and worked hard to ensure the project was completed on time and to budget.<\/p>\n \u201cWe used local suppliers as much as possible, including British Steel Scunthorpe for new rail for all ballasted sites, and a local scrap yard in Rotherham for processing scrap rail before returning to British Steel.\u201d<\/p>\n Melanie Corcoran, Executive Director for Public Transport at SYMCA, added: \u201cThe work this summer has been critical to extend the lifespan of one of the region\u2019s best loved modes of transport.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have worked hard to make the most of the time the tramway has been closed to minimise any disruption and keep people moving.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been a summer of investment to increase the longevity of the region\u2019s tram network and ensure the safe operation of this popular service for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n No major work is planned for the remainder of the year although a further \u00a310 million has been earmarked for further improvements in the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, has hailed the completion of improvement works on the Supertram network with the extension works having been completed on time and on budget. \u00a323 million was invested in the work \u2013 the first such … Continue reading \n