We have been sent the following updates about the Tram Replacement Works.

Re: Tram Track Replacement Works – Phase 4

As you may already be aware the second stage (Contract 2) of the essential maintenance work to replace sections of the Supertram track commenced at the end of March. These works will run over the summer until late September 2014.

You may already have noticed that the works for this second stage are being carried out in different phases resulting, at times, in certain sections of the tram network being closed for a number of weeks with a replacement bus service running for that period. Trams will continue to operate as normal in all other areas. The phasing of the works and closure of complete sections of track during each phase ensures that a consistent message to staff, customers and road users is given in each period.

The phasing of works also takes into account Sheffield City Council’s traffic management constraints for each work site. The tram replacement works are also being co-ordinated with the Streets Ahead (PFI) works where possible and we will ensure that all Streets Ahead and maintenance works that can be carried out during the tram closures will be.

We are working hard to minimise the impact of the project on local people as much as possible. However, this stage of the rail replacement work is a complex project which will cause some temporary disruption to travel, and potentially to local people, in the areas where work is taking place.

Phases 1 and 2 of the works in the Hillborough, Gleadless and Halfway areas of the City are complete and the third phase of works between Fitzalan Square and Woodburn Road are drawing to an end.

Phase 4 works from the Cathedral to Netherthorpe Road are scheduled to commence in early July. Inevitably, as these works will have a large impact on businesses and residents, particularly in the West Street area, you (and your constituents) will have a number of questions about the rail replacement. Therefore, we would like to invite you to a drop-in event on Wednesday 25 June at:

The Circle

33 Rockingham Lane

Sheffield

Yorkshire

S1 4FW

Please feel free to call in at any time between 4.30pm and 8pm. There will be representatives from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Stagecoach Supertram and VolkerRail, the Contractor carrying out the works on hand to answer any questions.

The above information will be conveyed to local residents and businesses, in the West Street area where the works will be taking place, via a letter.

Further details relating to the works will be posted by the contractor nearer the time. Information will also be displayed on-board trams and at interchanges and further customer information will be made available as soon as the detailed programme and alternative transport arrangements are finalised.

Details of the Supertram routes which will be affected and information on the replacement bus services that will be in operation will be available on trams, at interchanges or on the Supertram www.supertram.com and Travel South Yorkshire www.travelsouthyorkshire.com websites where residents will also be able to register to receive updates.

For travel information passengers can contact Traveline on 01709 51 51 51.

If you are unable to attend the drop-in on 25th June and would like further information about the rail replacement programme, you can contact VolkerRail Control Centre on 01724 878399 who will be able to put you in touch with a member of the site delivery team.