News: Sheffield-Rotherham BRT North scheme officially launched

The £30m Sheffield - Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme has been officially launched with a ceremony at the newly constructed "Blackburn Meadows Way" link road under J34 of the M1.

The Northern route of the scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. With buses running every ten minutes, it aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The new X1 Steel Link service, operated by First Bus, started using the route in September.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Andrew Jones MP (pictured, left), said: "This new link between Sheffield and Rotherham will cut congestion, improve journeys, help create thousands of jobs and boost the regional economy.

"Up to two million passengers are expected to use it in its first year alone, this shows how vital good bus services are to our communities."

The main feature of the scheme is a £20m, alternative, all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct.

In 2014, the scheme was facing the prospect of a 12 month delay and a near £8m cost increase due to "significant ground condition issues" at Tinsley.

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Initially programmed to start running in September 2015, the bid included a high quality, limited stop bus service is to provide faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction of the M1. It is also expected to help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

Stephen Edwards, executive director at SYPTE (pictured, right), said: "BRT North is vital to meet local transport demands and support economic growth. The frequent connections and dedicated bus routes it offers between the centres of Rotherham and Sheffield is providing customers with flexibility, improved capacity and a high-quality, reliable public transport option."

Martin McKervey, partner at Nabarro LLP and lead board member for transport at the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, added: "Sheffield City Region partners are working together to create a thriving, super-connected and successful economy and the opening of this vital new link under the motorway at Tinsley is further evidence of what we can achieve when we work together.

"This investment, which has taken 325,000 person hours in construction, will ease congestion on the M1, and provides infrastructure for a high quality, modern and reliable bus service. This road better connects key economic areas of Rotherham and Sheffield and is welcome news to businesses and residents across our city region. This gives a real boost to economic growth and jobs as part of our shared ambition to build a centre of economic excellence."

Delivered by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council, funding has come from the Government, councils, the local enterprise partnership's Growing Place Fund and Local Growth Fund, and via the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

When bidding for funding, backers stated that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley. It should support schemes such as the Olympic Legacy Park, River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough in Rotherham.

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News: First services launched on BRT route

Late, over budget, and not exactly rapid, but this week the first services begin on the £30m Sheffield to Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme.

The Northern route of the scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. With buses running every ten minutes, it aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The new high quality X1 Steel Link service, operated by First Bus, replaces the 69 service and will run between Sheffield – Meadowhall – Rotherham – Maltby.

18 high spec vehicles will operate on the route, all fitted with leather seats, USB charging points and dedicated and eye catching bespoke branding. Customers will also shortly benefit from the introduction of free on board wi-fi.

The new vehicles are Department for Transport approved "low carbon certified" and fitted with the latest Euro VI engines, which produce 95% less oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions which will help improve air quality across the route.

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The main feature of the BRT scheme is a £20m, alternative, all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct.

In 2014, the scheme was facing the prospect of a 12 month delay and a near £8m cost increase due to "significant ground condition issues" at Tinsley.

Initially programmed to start running in September 2015, the bid included a high quality, limited stop bus service is to provide faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction of the M1. It is also expected to help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council (pictured, second right), said: "The X1 Steel Link will give residents of Maltby and Wickersley a direct and frequent service to Rotherham, Meadowhall and Sheffield. Great value fares and high quality buses will offer an alternative to the car for Rotherham residents."

Tom Finnegan-Smith, head of strategic transport and infrastructure at Sheffield City Council (pictured, second left), added: "It has been a real partnership effort to introduce the X1 Steel Link. The service offers a genuine alternative for car users, providing quick, reliable journey times and the latest technology so people can work and be comfortable while they travel. All this will be at a lower cost compared to taking the equivalent journey by car. This forms part of our longer term plans to proactively encourage people to use sustainable forms of transport. This has a number of benefits including reducing congestion, improving air quality and journey times which is good for the local economy."

The BRT scheme was expected to reduce journey times between Rotherham and Sheffield to 20 minutes, utilising the Tinsley Link, limited stops and bus priority measures. However, the X1 will still take around 40 minutes, taking in Meadowhall Interchange that was avoided in the BRT route developed early in the project.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership by SYPTE, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council.

Funding has come from the Government, councils, the local enterprise partnership's Growing Place Fund and Local Growth Fund, and via the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

When bidding for funding, backers stated that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough in Rotherham. It includes areas benefiting from being in the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The scheme is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

A start date has yet to be announced for the delayed £60m pilot project to run tram-train vehicles on both rail and tram networks between Rotherham and Sheffield.

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News: September start for delayed bus scheme

A multimillion pound scheme that will see new faster transport connections developed between Sheffield and Rotherham, has been given the start date of September 2016, a year after originally planned.

In 2014, the £34.3m Sheffield to Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme was facing the prospect of a 12 month delay and a near £8m cost increase due to "significant ground condition issues" at Tinsley.

The Northern route of the scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. With buses running every ten minutes, it aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The main feature is a £20m, alternative, all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct and is currently under construction.

Initially programmed to start running in September 2015, a high quality, limited stop bus service is to provide faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction of the M1. It will also help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

Steve Edwards, executive director of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) told a recent meeting of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee: "The BRT North scheme will provide bus services in the corridor between Sheffield and Rotherham. That service is due to go into live operation on the fifth of September and will be providing transport connections to existing leisure, commercial and manufacturing facilities as well as facilitating economic growth, providing links to existing and proposed employment sites in the Lower Don Valley area."

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When bidding for funding, backers stated that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough in Rotherham. It includes areas benefiting from being in the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The scheme is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

With Sheffield City Council contracting Carillion to work on the Tinsley Link scheme, significant levels of asbestos was discovered, which had not been identified in surveys carried out before work began. The authority was forced to obtain a £2.3m loan to cash flow the project until local building developments generate earnings through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to repay the loan.

Now a bid has been approved for a further £4.2m from the Sheffield City Region's Local Growth Fund with a key part of the bid being the inclusion of the remediation required to address land contaminants discovered on site.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership by SYPTE, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council.

Other funding has come via the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Growing Places Fund from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

A start date is still unknown for the delayed £60m pilot project to run tram-train vehicles on both rail and tram networks between Rotherham and Sheffield.

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News: £4m of funding found for BRT shortfall

The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority has pledged a further £4m of funding to ensure that a delayed and over budget transport scheme can be completed.

In 2014, the £34.3m Sheffield to Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme was facing the prospect of a 12 month delay and a near £8m cost increase due to "significant ground condition issues" at Tinsley.

The Northern route of the scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. It aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The main feature is a £20m, alternative, all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct and is currently under construction.

Initially programmed to start running in September 2015, a high quality, limited stop bus service is to provide faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction of the M1. It will also help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

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Contractors, Carillion have been working on the Tinsley Link scheme and during the work, significant levels of asbestos was discovered, which had not been identified in surveys carried out before work began.

With Sheffield City Council leading on this part of the project, it was forced to obtain a £2.3m loan to cash flow the project until local building developments generate earnings through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to repay the loan.

Now a bid is being approved for a further £4.2m from the Sheffield City Region's Local Growth Fund with a key part of the bid being the inclusion of the remediation required to address land contaminants discovered on site.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council.

Other funding has come via the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Growing Places Fund from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

When bidding for funding, backers stated that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. It includes areas benefiting from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The development is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

In addition to the new road, new bus lanes and improvements, such as those proposed at Ickles Roundabout and the junction of Westgate and Main Street, will give buses priority and help reduce total journey times to 20 minutes. From the interchange in Rotherham, stops are proposed for Westgate in the town centre and Bradmarsh Way and Grange Lane at Templeborough.

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News: Sheffield - Rotherham transport scheme already a year behind schedule

The £34.3m Sheffield to Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme is facing the prospect of a 12 month delay and a near £8m cost increase due to "significant ground condition issues" at Tinsley.

The Northern route of the scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. It aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The main feature is a £20m, alternative, all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct and is currently under construction.

Initially programmed to begin in September 2015, a high quality, limited stop bus service is to provide faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction of the M1. It will also help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

Transport bosses will hear this week that the project team have encountered several problems including the discovery of significant levels of asbestos which had not been identified in surveys carried out before work began. Until these are addressed it will not be possible to commence main works on site.

A report to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee states that "a worst case scenario for programme and costs, based on the current information has now been determined and has resulted in significant delay and cost increase.

"The total delay to programme is currently 54 weeks. The increased project cost, accounting for savings from other work packages and use of risk allowance, is £7,903,000."

This means that there is a funding shortfall of £5.7m and the project team is working on a funding recovery plan to close the gap and are working to identify funding sources.

The Department for Transport confirmed a maximum of £15.9m for the scheme last year and contractors, Carillion began work on the Tinsley Link road in January. The scheme is being delivered in partnership by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Council.

Other funding has come via the European Union's European Regional Development Fund through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-13, the Growing Places Fund from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

When bidding for funding, backers stated that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. It includes areas benefiting from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The development is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

In addition to the new road, new bus lanes and improvements, such as those proposed at Ickles Roundabout and the junction of Westgate and Main Street, will give buses priority and help reduce total journey times to 20 minutes. From the interchange in Rotherham, stops are proposed for Westgate in the town centre and Bradmarsh Way and Grange Lane at Templeborough.

Proposals for the Southern Route of the BRT scheme, linking Sheffield city centre, Waverley and Rotherham, have not been firmed up after being knocked back by the government but future options for connectivity to Waverley and the Lower Don Valley are currently being considered.

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News: City region welcomes transport funding

Transport chiefs in the Sheffield city region have welcomed millions of pounds of central Government funding which will see new faster transport connections developed between Sheffield and Rotherham.

Last week the Department for Transport confirmed a maximum of £15.9m for the Sheffield and Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme and the full (final) approval means that work on the scheme can begin.

An additional £13.9m has been made available from a number of other sources to deliver the project, including a contribution of over £8m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The route will use dedicated, high quality low emission vehicles operating at a ten minute frequency which will be granted priority on the roads. Other work includes highway modifications and revised junction layouts and intelligent traffic signal controls.

Under the plan a new link road will be built under Tinsley Viaduct to allow a high quality, limited stop bus service to run from Rotherham to Sheffield from September 2015. It will see faster, more frequent connections through the Lower Don Valley, reducing the snarl ups which occur at the busy junction 34 south of the M1. It will also help unlock the redevelopment potential of the area, which is being restricted by the traffic problems on the present road system.

David Young, SYPTE Deputy Interim Director General and Director of Customer Experience, said: "We are delighted to have received confirmation of funding for BRT which will improve the transport offer to people travelling between Sheffield and Rotherham, but which will also help to relieve the congestion problems which are limiting redevelopment of the area. Together with the planned Tram-Train pilot the BRT project will help to link and grow the two key economies of Rotherham and Sheffield. The time to put these in place is now."

Councillor Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said it was "great news" for both Rotherham and the Lower Don Valley. 

He added: "This scheme has been a long time in the planning, but the funding has now come through and people in both Rotherham and Sheffield can look forward to a fast, modern link via the Don Valley. It will not only cut the journey time down between the two destinations but will also relieve congestion and improve the potential for new jobs across this particular area." 

Dominic Beck, Policy & External Affairs Executive at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is great news for bus users between Sheffield and Rotherham who will benefit from quicker, more reliable services. Buses are a major link for many people and help drive economic growth. It should also ease congestion around what has been a troublesome hotspot at Meadowhall.

"This £16m of investment will help unlock the next planned phases of development in the Lower Don Valley and create up to 4,400 new jobs."

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News: £16m government funding confirmed for BRT scheme

The Department for Transport has confirmed a maximum of £15.9m for the Sheffield and Rotherham Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme and the full (final) approval means that work on the scheme can begin.

The Northern route of the BRT scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough.

The £28.2m scheme aims to help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities. Its budget has been reduced from £34.3m.

The joint project by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Borough Council, also includes contributions from the Growing Places Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, local developers such as British Land, and the SYPTE.

Bidders state that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. It includes areas benefiting from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The development is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

A key part of the project is the Tinsley Link road that connects Meadowhall Way, Sheffield and Sheffield Road, Rotherham under the Tinsley Viaduct at Junction 34 of the M1.

The route will use dedicated, high quality low emission vehicles operating at a ten minute frequency which will be granted priority on the roads. Other work includes highway modifications and revised junction layouts and intelligent traffic signal controls.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer, said: "This is great news for bus users between Sheffield and Rotherham who will benefit from quicker, more reliable services.

"The coalition government is committed to investing in public transport to offer real transport choices for the people of Yorkshire. Buses are a major link for many people, and help drive economic growth.

"This £16m of investment will help unlock the next planned phases of development in the Lower Don Valley, and create up to 4,400 new jobs."

A proposal for the Southern Route of the BRT scheme linking Sheffield city centre, Waverley and Rotherham could secure backing as part of the City Deal to devolve £113m of major transport funding from Government.

Work can now start on the construction of the northern route with the project scheduled to complete in September 2015.

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News: Carillion selected for Tinsley Link project

Carillion, a leading integrated support services company, has been named as the preferred contracter for the £10m tender for the Tinsley Link road that will cut journey times and relieve congestion between Rotherham and Sheffield.

The link road connects Meadowhall Way, Sheffield and Sheffield Road, Rotherham under the Tinsley Viaduct at Junction 34 of the M1. It is the key part of the Northern route of the South Yorkshire Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme that aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough.

With a value of £10.9m, the contract involves the "the construction of a new roadway, pavements and kerbs, substantial earthworks, two new bridges, traffic signals, junction works and various other sundry works. In addition it includes the design and construction of a substantial piled reinforced earth embankment and also traffic management."

Six bids were received and Carillion Construction Ltd in Sheffield has been named as the preferred bidder by Sheffield Council.

The £36m BRT project aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities. Bidders state that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. It includes areas benefiting from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The development is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

A recent update to Rotherham Council's Cabinet showed that the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) are now submitting the Full Approval application to the Department for Transport (DFT) for the £19.406m that was announced in 2011 and project partners are signing up to a Collaboration and Funding Agreement.

Funding for the scheme is expected to come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), but this has not yet been approved. The SYPTE are in on-going discussions with Department of Communities and Local Government regarding this. A decision is expected before the Full Approval application would be made, and would be conditional on DfT full approval being received.

The remaining funding is to come from the region's Local Transport Plan and local developers through section 106 contributions underwitten by the Growing Places Fund.

It is hoped that the scheme will launch in Summer 2015.

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News: Transport schemes move forward

Important transport schemes in the Sheffield city region that could deliver thousands of new jobs and homes are moving forward.

The £56m Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) has completed its final statutory procedure with the Secretary of State for Transport granting Doncaster Council the powers to purchase the land needed to build the scheme and to carry out the necessary work to public and private rights of way.

The start of construction works is on the horizon that will create the new connection from Junction 3 of the M18 to the south of Doncaster. It is hoped that the road will become operational in 2015.

This regionally significant project, with backing from the Government's Regional Growth Fund, will help to regenerate the village of Rossington, cut journey times, ease congestion, support further growth at Robin Hood Airport and provide the necessary road infrastructure for major private sector investments including the Inland Port development and the re-development of the former colliery site at Rossington. It has also been supported by private sector developer contributions, the Growing Places Fund and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Progress is also being made on the Northern route of the South Yorkshire Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough.

The £36m project aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

An update to Rotherham Council's Cabinet showed that the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) are now submitting the Full Approval application to the Department for Transport (DFT) for the £19.406m that was announced in 2011 and project partners are signing up to a Collaboration and Funding Agreement.

Funding for the scheme is expected to come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), but this has not yet been approved. The SYPTE are in on-going discussions with Department of Communities and Local Government regarding this. A decision is expected before the Full Approval application would be made, and would be conditional on DfT full approval being received.

The remaining funding is to come from the region's Local Transport Plan and local developers through section 106 contributions underwitten by the Growing Places Fund.

Bidders state that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. It includes areas benefiting from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The development is expected to generate an estimated £200m for the local economy each year, increase public transport patronage by 7,500 passengers per day, and reduce carbon emissions by 6,320 tonnes over 60 years.

The scheme involves a high-frequency, limited stop service with new state-of-the-art vehicles. The main feature is a £20m alternative all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct. The link road already has planning permission and the Compulsory Purchase Order process has been completed to obtain the land needed in Sheffield.

In addition to the interchange in Rotherham, stops are proposed for Westgate in the town centre and Bradmarsh Way and Grange Lane at Templeborough. New bus lanes and improvements such as those proposed at Ickles Roundabout and the junction of Westgate and Main Street will give buses priority and help reduce total journey times to 20 minutes.

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News: Consultation starts on SCR transport schemes

The Local Transport Body (LTB) is asking the public for opinions on its initial list of multimillion pound development projects in the Sheffield City Region.

Last month, the initial list was submitted to the Department for Transport, fulfilling a necessary requirement as part of the "City Deal" to devolve £113m of major transport funding from Government. It will also help the LTB to decide how best to invest local transport and infrastructure funds over the next ten years.

Included on the list is a bid for £45m for improvements around the important Waverley site in Rotherham including the Waverley Link Road and a bid for the Southern Route of the Bus Rapid Transit scheme linking Sheffield city centre, Waverley and Rotherham. Bids are also included for a project to increase road capacity in Parkgate and for improvements to open up further development in the Dearne Valley.

Analysis shows that, if the LTB were able to invest in all 19 schemes, the combined projects could boost the economy by between 5 and 7 billion pounds and create almost 4,500 sustainable new jobs.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Council and chair of the LTB, said: "The Government wants to devolve funding and decision making powers to the Sheffield City Region because ministers can see that better investments are made by local leaders, who understand the impact that decisions have on everyday life.

"Our analysis clearly shows that if we make these investments we will massively boost the local economy and create thousands of jobs. However, the numbers only show one side of the story.

"We want local people to tell us what they think, so we can better understand how these projects could impact on residents and businesses in the Sheffield City Region."

The online consultation asks residents and businesses for their views on the list and is taking place between August 1 and September 15.

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News: Major transport schemes in line for funding

The Waverley Link Road could be back on track after it was named as one of a number of important transport schemes set to be put forward for government funding.

Through the "City Deal" with Government, the Sheffield City Region became one of only four places in the UK to secure a ten year allocation of funding for transport and infrastructure projects.

The Local Transport Body (LTB) has now assessed a number of key projects on their likely impact on economic growth and jobs for the area.

Included on the list is a bid for £45m for improvements around the important Waverley site in Rotherham including the Waverley Link Road, the widening of the Parkway to dual 3-lane and other community and green infrastructures and utility services to accelerate the delivery of the mixed use site.

On the site of the former Orgreave colliery, Harworth Estates is progressing the biggest brownfield site development in South Yorkshire, covering 741 acres, an area bigger than Sheffield city centre.

Over a development phase of 20 years, the site will see the establishment of a new community of around 4,000 homes, shops, restaurants, schools, leisure facilities, health and community centres and parks.

It also includes the Advanced Manufacturing Park and large areas of the region's Enterprise Zone.

The £8.57m Waverley Link Road was to be a 1.2 mile long single-carriageway joining Retford Road and Highfield Lane, but government funding was denied after the Woodhouse Mill Recreation Ground, which is owned by Sheffield Council, was dedicated as a "Queen Elizabeth II Field" and will be managed as a recreation ground / playing field for continued public benefit.

Also back in line for funding is the Southern Route of the Bus Rapid Transit scheme involving a high-frequency, limited stop service with new state-of-the-art vehicles that aimed to run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to the proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange. It is part of a shortlisted bid for £58m.

Other Rotherham projects include a scheme to increase road capacity in Parkgate, opening land at Parkgate Shopping with the potential for a park and ride facility at the new tram-train station. Further testing is needed to assess the scheme's potential impact.

Rotherham projects put forward focused on improving infrastructure in Maltby and the town centre have not made the list.

The analysis shows that, if the LTB were able to invest in all 19 schemes, the combined projects could boost the economy by between 5 and 7 billion pounds.

The list will be submitted to Government's Department for Transport later this month, and it will help the LTB to decide how best to invest local transport and infrastructure funds over the next ten years.

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and LTB Board member, said: "Local leaders are working together to make sure that we make the most effective investment decisions for the Sheffield City Region.

"The Government recognises that local decisions are better made by local leaders – who have a better idea about what is needed to stimulate economic growth and create sustainable jobs."

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News: Final bid for transport funds

Members of Rotherham Council's cabinet are being asked to approve "best and final" bids for government-funded transport schemes in the borough.

Government cuts last year meant that local authority projects were stopped in their tracks and many were asked to reduce costs. The Waverley Link Road and the Northern route of the South Yorkshire Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme made it into a "development group" of projects hoping to secure funds from a £600m Department for Transport pot.

Recently out for public consultation, the Waverley Link Road aims to support regeneration and economic growth at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Waverley developments in Rotherham.

The link road would be a 1.2 mile long single-carriageway joining Retford Road and Highfield Lane.

The costs have been reduced by 34% in the hope of securing government funds for the £8.57m scheme. Members are being asked to approve the submission of a bid for £6.961m from the Department for Transport. The remainder of costs are to be met by UK Coal and the council.

The Northern route of the South Yorkshire Bus Rapid Transit scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough. It aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The scheme involves a high-frequency, limited stop service and a new highway link under the M1 with a total cost of £34.35m. Members are being asked to approve the submission of a bid for £19.41m from the Department for Transport. The remainder of costs are to be met by the European Regional Development Fund, local developers such as British Land and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

The Southern route of the BRT scheme aimed to run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to the proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange. A business case for the Southern route was not submitted to the DfT before the government cuts and the DfT has stated that it would not accept any further submissions and would only consider the business case for the Northern route.

In February the scheme to improve the A57 between the M1 and Todwick in Rotherham was one of only nine projects to secure funding from the Department for Transport.

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham transport schemes stopped in their tracks

The Government has announced that it is suspending all major transport schemes not already under contract.

For Rotherham these include the Northern and Southern routes of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Waverley Link road and improvements on the A57 between the M1 and Todwick crossroads.

In March, local authorities agreed that the £76m BRT scheme, designed to improve connectivity between Rotherham and Sheffield, is a top priority and that a business case be submitted to the Department for Transport.

The £40m northern route would link Sheffield and Rotherham passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough and would help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

The scheme would provide an alternative all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct.

The £36m southern route of the scheme would run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to the proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange.

Work was set to start in 2013 with the first services beginning on the southern route in 2014 and the northern route in 2015.

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News: Rotherham-Sheffield BRT moves closer

A business case for a Bus Rapid Transit scheme designed to improve connectivity between Rotherham and Sheffield is set to be submitted to the Department for Transport.



Rotherham and Sheffield Councils, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority are all set to agree that the £76m scheme is a top priority and should now go forward for inclusion in the Government's list of potential transport schemes.

Consultation on the the proposed high-frequency, limited stop service between Sheffield and Rotherham has taken place on both its routes.

The £40m northern route would link Sheffield and Rotherham passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough and would help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

Crucially, the scheme provides an alternative all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct.

The £36m southern route of the scheme would run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to the proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange.

The scheme includes a 1,000 space Park and Ride site at Waverley and a dedicated BRT lane inbound on Sheffield Parkway whilst maintaining existing road space for all other traffic. The scheme is also instrumental in providing a quality public transport offer for the recently approved Waverley New Community and Helical Governetz developments which will provide 4,000 new homes and 60,000 sq m of office space.

The two routes will use dedicated, high quality vehicles operating at a ten minute frequency which will be granted priority on the roads.

For the northern route it is hoped to make submission by March 31 with the southern route to follow.

Decisions are expected in December and work will need to take place on securing planning permission for aspects of the scheme and securing land through compulsory purchase orders. Work is set to start in 2013 with the first services beginning on the southern route in 2014 and the northern route in 2015.

David Brown, SYPTE Director General, said: "Bus Rapid Transit will be an important addition to our transport infrastructure between Rotherham and Sheffield. These schemes will provide sustainable transport to allow development in the Lower Don Valley and Waverley sites.

"Good public transport is essential to enable economic development and these schemes will enable jobs and houses to be developed in years to come."

BRT website
Rotherham

Images: sy-busrapidtransit.co.uk

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News: Government supports Yorkshire & Humber transport plans

The Government has given its support to Yorkshire and the Humber's proposals to improve transportation in the region.

Yorkshire's Regional Funding Allocations prioritises a package of transport improvements aimed at meeting the needs of business and commuter travel.

For Rotherham these include the Northern and Southern routes of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Waverley Link road and improvements on Centeneray Way and on the A57 between the M1 and Todwick crossroads.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: "I would like to thank Yorkshire and the Humber for all the hard work they have done in putting together these proposals. They will be invaluable in helping us develop the Department's plans for investment post-2014 and in preparing fully integrated regional strategies.

The Department confirmed that it was content with the region's priorities. These detailed schemes - and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions - will be considered further on a case by case basis before receiving full approval.

The Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, Rosie Winterton added: "This will have great benefits for our region and its economy. It is particularly good news that some of the schemes are being implemented earlier than planned, not only bringing improvements in transport but also providing work in the construction sector."

Regional Transport Advisory Board
Rotherham

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News: BRT consultation underway

Throughout the next few weeks South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, are calling for the public to give their views about the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme – the proposed high-frequency, limited stop service between Sheffield and Rotherham.

The northern route would link Sheffield and Rotherham passing Meadowhall and the Lower Don Valley and would help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

Consultation has already been held on the southern route of the scheme, which would run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange.

On the BRT website, users will be able to view a DigiBrief – a short film blending aerial footage with visualisations and animated maps, setting out the proposals in an easy to understand way.

Coun Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation for Rotherham Borough Council, and a member of South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, urged the public to take part in the consultation.



He said: "I am sure that anyone with an interest in public transport, particularly those who travel between Rotherham and Sheffield, will want to have their say on this issue.

"The Bus Rapid Transit will be much faster than the current services because of the limited stops between the two destinations. This is all explained on the website and the Integrated Transport Authority wants to hear the public's views so they can develop more detailed proposals."

David Brown, SYPTE Director General, said: "The growth and success of Sheffield and Rotherham rely upon high quality transport links which provide access to jobs and services.

"The introduction of BRT North will provide a reliable, clean and fast means of transport between the two centres, serving key existing and future employment sites."

BRT website
Rotherham

Images: sy-busrapidtransit.co.uk

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