News: Year delay for new tram stop in Rotherham

A new tram-train stop seen as a key enhancement in improving the public transport system of the Rotherham area, has been delayed, and costs have increased.

Plans were approved last year for a £6.9m project at Templeborough for a new stop and park & ride facility at the.Magna Science Adventure Centre.

Legal issues and delays associated with obtaining the necessary railway consents has pushed the completion date to November 2025.

When South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) signed a funding agreement last year, it said that a start on site was due in Spring 2024 with forecast completion and entry into service Autumn/Winter 2024.

The tram-train line runs to the rear of the site and making use of the existing underutilised parking supply at Magna is seen as a cost-effective way of increasing Park & Ride facilities in the area.

A station with two, 30m long platforms on land next to the car park at Magna is set to be built, further down past the AquaTek outdoor play area. It is described as having basic facilities including a shelter, information boards, lighting, CCTV and cycle parking. A bridge, with lifts, and a fence running between the two tracks are also included.

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An update to SYMCA now explains: "After many months of delay, due mainly to obtaining the necessary rail industry consents for the works, this project has now reached the Delivery Phase and final approval is now sought to appoint Network Rail (NWR) to undertake construction of the new Tram Train station at Magna.

"Unfortunately, with the passage of time costs have increased and NWR’s estimated costs for the Delivery Phase have since risen to £7,074,541 an increase of £214,892."

The report states that an implementation agreement with Network Rail went unsigned as the terms and conditions could not be confirmed, specifically in relation to the proposed lease of the new station. Delays were also encountered with obtaining the necessary railway consents required to implement the station.

AmcoGiffen has been appointed the principal contractor and its price has increased, driven by inflation. There has also been an increase in design costs for design management and temporary works.

The project is back by the Government's Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

Previous transport projects in Rotherham suffered delays due to Network Rail, including the revamp of Rotherham Central station and the tram-train being brough to Parkgate.

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News: Plans for new Rotherham tram-train stop get green light

Plans have been approved for a £6.9m project to introduce a new tram-train stop on the existing network, and a new Park & Ride site, in Rotherham.

Network Rail has also officially been appointed to deliver the works at the.Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The scheme is designed to provide a boost to the museum and venue, and the wider Templeborough area, as well as improve alternative travel options in a location known for low air quality. Rothbiz reported on the application when it was submitted at the end of 2023.

The tram-train line runs to the rear of the site and making use of the existing underutilised parking supply at Magna is seen as a cost-effective way of increasing Park & Ride facilities in the area.

The application shows a station with two, 30m long platforms on land next to the car park at Magna, further down past the AquaTek outdoor play area. It is described as having basic facilities including a shelter, information boards, lighting, CCTV and cycle parking. A bridge, with lifts, and a fence running between the two tracks are also included.

The station will be accessed directly off the existing car park, which itself has direct access onto Bessemer Way. 428 standard parking spaces will be shared with Magna Science Adventure Centre, an increase from the current total of 399 spaces, and includes standard spaces, EV charging points, disabled spaces and motorcycle parking. In addition to this secure cycle parking facilities will also be provided at the site.

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Netowrk Rail said in the application that: "The proposal for a new station at Magna is seen as a vindication of the Tram-Train trial and is seen as a key enhancement in improving the public transport system of the Rotherham area, enhancing journey opportunities between the Magna attraction, the town, and the wider Sheffield area. It makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of the tourist attraction and the wider town in aiding modal shift and reducing dependence on the private car, enhances economic prospects for job creation and helps to maintain the attractiveness of the Magna facility."

The plans were approved without going before the council's planning board. Officers said: "Whilst this proposal does not lead to a direct increase employment levels, improved public transport infrastructure and the associated benefits this brings is considered to assist with the economic development of the area and of the Magna site."

The officer's report adds that the proposal's "dual role as a park and ride facility and public transport access to the Magna facility will not have any adverse impact on local road infrastructure or capacity.

"It is considered that the site is in a sustainable location and that the additional tram-train stop is considered to improve sustainability of both the site as well as the sustainability of the improved tram network. The layout of the site is considered to be acceptable in highway terms and the level of shared car parking retained is appropriate."

Magna has plans to continue growing its events business (e.g. holding conferences etc.) and wants to develop a night-time economy (e.g. bands/concerts etc.). Operators also hope that recent investments in the visitor attraction will boost visitor numbers from 80,000 to 100,000 in 2023/24 and 120,000 in 2024/25.

Backed by the Government's Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) signed a funding agreement for £6,859,649 last month with Network Rail which said that start on site was due in Spring 2024 with forecast completion and entry into service Autumn/Winter 2024.

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News: Positive signals for Rotherham Mainline Station plan

A potential new £100m+ station on the mainline in Rotherham has been given a timetable for its arrival - Spring 2028.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Rotherham Council have been developing a scheme to return mainline train services to the borough for the first time since the 1980s. A site at Parkgate is the frontrunner for a regeneration project described by experts as "a relatively straightforward scheme for delivery within three to four years."

£1m has been secured to develop the Outline Business Case and £10m in funding has been secured for land assembly, with Rotherham Council's cabinet being asked for approval to start negotiations to buy four properties.

Rothbiz revealed last year that the total project cost was £107.6m. £99.5m for the station and £7.1m for the tram-train stop when it went before the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Cabinet will also be asked for permission to investigate the potential use of powers for a Compulsory Purchase or Transport and Works Act orders to acquire the necessary land, although negotiation remains the preferred option.

If successful, the proposals would see new direct services into York and Birmingham, with faster services to Leeds, Sheffield, and Doncaster than currently offered.

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Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott said: “Taken together with a new tram train stop, a new mainline station would radically improve the town’s connectivity, significantly improving local, regional and national rail connections for residents and businesses, offering greater access to employment, whilst helping to grow local businesses.”

Funding to acquire the properties has been secured by Rotherham Council through the Government’s Towns Fund. Funding for the outline business case is from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), with the council hopeful of more government cash to come.

Preparation of the masterplan is underway and focuses on the station, the location of facilities and key connections to the tram train and beyond. It also sets out a longer-term vision for the surrounding area in order to capitalise on the benefits that significantly improved connectivity to the national rail network could bring to the town.

The masterplan has also identified a preferred location for the station building and a layout for supporting facilities including car parking, a pick up/drop off area and space to accommodate rail replacement bus services.

Network Rail and Transport for the North have been working on the project and Weston Williamson + Partners secured a £349,000 contract from the council to carry out the masterplan study. The masterplan is set to be finalised in November.

A report to cabinet states: "Rotherham suffers from comparatively poor rail connectivity - the town is currently served only by a branch line at Rotherham Central station. Existing rail services at Rotherham Central comprise three stopping trains per hour, with a limited range of direct destinations and lack of fast and frequent connections to key centres of employment. In contrast, the Sheffield to Leeds rail corridor currently operates five passenger services per hour between these two cities, mostly bypassing the town.

"This new station will significantly improve local, regional, and national rail connectivity for local people and businesses, offering access to employment and business growth opportunities, and contributing significantly to the economic regeneration of the town.

"It is anticipated that the new mainline heavy rail station could offer mainline connections to Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds, York and Birmingham. Taken together with local connectivity offered by a new Tram Train Station adjacent, this project will radically improve the town’s connectivity, delivering social, economic and environmental benefits."

With the development of the project and acquisitions set to take some time, construction is not due to start until 2026, with an opening for the new station pencilled in for Spring 2028.

Images: Weston Williamson + Partners

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News: Ceremony for canal barrier completion at Forge Island

Rotherham Council and partners have officially opened the new, state-of-the-art canal barrier at Forge Island in the town centre.

The barrier has added a new feature to the Rotherham skyline alongside the historic Rotherham canal, lock and towpath. The barrier is a single phase of the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will reduce the risk of flooding to the town centre, businesses and Rotherham Central railway station.

Construction work began on the barrier in August 2021 and was completed in August 2022.

The barrier and associated works in this phase cost £4.45m and was funded by funding from the Levelling Up Fund, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, European Regional Development Fund, Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Local Levy, and Network Rail.

The construction of the barrier required around 50 tonnes of steel reinforcements and 1,000 tonnes of concrete. This included 450 tonnes of low carbon cement free concrete, which resulted in a saving of 44 tonnes of embedded Carbon Dioxide (CO2) compared to traditional cement concrete and supported the Council’s commitment to a cleaner, greener local environment, targeting the reduction of carbon emissions.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet member for Transport and Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “The new canal barrier at the Rotherham Lock is a fantastic focal point of the flood alleviation works and showcases all of the hard work done by our Flood Risk Team and partners during the project. The canal barrier has already become an iconic part of the Rotherham town centre skyline, and will provide reassurance and protection for countless residents who live and work alongside the River Don.

“I am very proud to be involved in the opening of the Canal Barrier, especially as from Monday 7th November to Sunday 13th November is the Environment Agency’s Flood Action week. The canal barrier is a great example of what the Council and its partners are doing to prepare and act so that reduce risk to damage and to life from flooding in Rotherham.”

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The canal barrier is part of the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme (RRFAS) – a project which will construct new flood defences along a five kilometre stretch of the River Don through the Templeborough, town centre and Parkgate areas of Rotherham. The project also includes a section of flood defences in Kilnhurst.

Darren Blank, Project Manager at Jackson Civil Engineering, said: “The project has been highly challenging whilst proving rewarding in all aspects of Civil Engineering and teamwork. It has highlighted the importance of early collaboration and relationships throughout the scheme stakeholders. We as the Principal Contractor have tried to place these principals at the forefront whilst relying on the skills and expertise of our site teams to deliver a high standard of delivery. We are immensely proud of the final product and the innovations and sustainable solutions we found along the way. We look forward to continuing to deliver flood resilience projects in Rotherham in the future, thereby protecting the residents and businesses as we move into a changing climatic period.”

Recommended reading: Is this the end for Rotherham town centre?

Mark Duquemin, Head of Environmental Management & Sustainability for Pell Frischmann, said: “We are very pleased to see the canal barrier come to life, ready to protect the people and communities of Rotherham from flooding. It’s been rewarding working on the design and supporting the construction of this iconic structure with our design partners KGAL, providing mechanical & electrical services for the flood gate, and Ecus, providing landscape architecture services.”

By 2023, approximately £15m of works will have been constructed as part of the latest phases of the Flood Alleviation Scheme, providing a continuous line of defence over 1.6km. A further 1.9km is still needed on the north/west bank in order to reduce risk from the River Don between Forge Island and Parkgate. Further work is also required at Marsh Street/Sheffield Road and Effingham Street/St Anne’s near Parkgate.

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News: Rising costs for Rotherham town centre flood defences

Further funding is being sought to continue a much needed flood alleviation scheme through Rotherham.

Work started at the end of last year and can't come soon enough for Rotherham Central station which was forced to close again this week due to flooding.

A new application for funding highlights cost overruns, upwardly revised cost estimates and an increase in material costs.

A new multimillion-pound canal barrier at Forge Island, flood defences from Ickles Lock to Centenary Way on the edge of the town centre and the Forge Island Flood Wall and Public Realm works (already constructed) are central phases of the Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme that Rotherham Council (RMBC) is already delivering along 5km of the River Don.

Having previously identified a £4.5m shortfall in funding for the three phases, the council is now hoping to secure a £2m grant from the gainshare pot of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), along with £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) before it ends.

MCA papers show that "if this funding is not secured, Phases 2A and 2C would need to be stopped at a point in their construction."

The total scheme cost is £7.54m and work is due to be completed in the summer.

The paper adds: "There has already been cost overruns to Ickle Lock (2A), upwardly revised cost estimates to the design of the Canal Barrier (2C) and an increase in material costs. The responsibility for funding the project broadly lies with the RMBC and to provide additional funding where there is a shortfall. If either of the MCA Gainshare and ERDF funding requests are unsuccessful, RMBC will have to bid from its own capital funding programme. Even if successful, it cannot be allocated until March 2022, as part of the annual budget setting cycle, and drawn down until July 2022 at the earliest. Therefore, phases 2A and 2C would have to be halted.

"This OBC [outline business case] is requesting additional funds to support the higher cost of delivery of Phases 2A and the funding shortfall of Phases 2B and 2C combined, which will free up RMBC capital funds for pre-construction works on future phases, and thereby enable momentum to be maintained on these crucial future works."

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The rail link at Rotherham has been badly affected by flooding on several occasions with Network Rail set to contribute £400,000 towards the delivery of the canal barrier to provide resilience to this section of their network.

The station is set to reopen today (Wednesday February 23) after being overwhelmed with water during Storm Franklin – the third storm to hit the railway in a week.

The pre-emptive decision to close the station was made on Saturday February 19 based on the Environmental Agency's river level readings at the time. By acting before any flooding hit the station, Network Rail engineers were able to remove critical equipment from the ground, which has proved crucial to reducing the impact of flood damage.

Engineers have spent three days pumping water away from the railway between Aldwarke and Tinsley. As water levels reduced, further damage was uncovered and this has required additional repairs.

Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail said: “Storms Franklin, Dudley and Eunice have brought relentless challenges for the railway over the last week, including significant flooding in Rotherham.

“Our teams have worked 24/7 to pump water away from the tracks and work towards getting the railway back up and running for passengers in South Yorkshire. I’d like to thank people for bearing with us as we deliver a safe and reliable railway.”

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News: Work begins on new Rotherham town centre flood defence

Works to install a new multimillion-pound canal barrier at Forge Island are now underway as part of a key milestone in the Forge Island flood defence and enabling scheme.

These works form the central part of the Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme that the Council are already delivering along 5km of the River Don.

Rothbiz reported in June on the new canal barrier that joins the flood wall that has recently been constructed on Forge Island, which together will help reduce the risk of the River Don overtopping into the canal and flooding Rotherham town centre and the Central Railway Station.

Since June 2007 the Council has invested over £17m delivering flood defence schemes along the River Don corridor.

As well as being an integral part of the town centre flood defence, the canal barrier will add an impressive aesthetic element to the area, sitting alongside the Forge Island leisure development.

The flood defence scheme on and adjacent to Forge Island also includes improvements to the adjacent towpath, high-quality landscaping and new amphitheatre seating overlooking the lock.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “The threat of flooding causes a great deal of stress and upset to both residents and local businesses, as well as potentially causing havoc to the transport infrastructure. We saw with the flooding of 2007 and 2019 the amount of devastation it can cause, having lasting effects for years to come.

“We are committed to preventing a repeat of the flooding we’ve seen in recent years and the installation of the canal barrier will help protect our vital town centre business and Central Train Station.”

The rail link at Rotherham has been badly affected by flooding on several occasions with Network Rail set to contribute £400,000 towards the delivery of the canal barrier to provide resilience to this section of their network.

Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We saw the significant impact that severe weather can have on the railway earlier this year when Storm Christoph brought heavy downpours across the North, flooding sections of track in Rotherham. At the time, we were able to keep passengers moving by diverting services but installing this new canal barrier will help reduce risk from future floods and reduce the impact on the railway.

“We’re delighted to be contributing towards the funding of the canal barrier as we continue to work closely with Rotherham Council and other partners to reduce the impact of severe weather on the railway, the town and the surrounding area.”

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Work is due to be completed next summer. Until then the canal-side footpath and cycle route will be closed until August 2022 and a signed diversion is in place. Part of the Trans Pennine Trail will also operate with a diversion. The Statutes car park will remain open.

After a successful bid Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd has been awarded the construction contract following completion of the design by consultants Pell Frischmann.

A spokesperson for Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd commented: “Jackson is delighted to be delivering this exciting project and providing local residents and businesses in Rotherham with a vital piece of flood alleviation infrastructure.

“This scheme further bolsters the relationship we have with Rotherham Council and the good works we have already delivered on the wider Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme.”

Mark Duquemin, Head of Environmental Management and Sustainability for Pell Frischmann said: “We are very pleased to have carried out the design for this iconic structure with our design partners KGAL, providing mechanical & electrical services for the flood gate, and Ecus, providing landscape architecture services.

“We look forward to working with the Council and Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd during the construction of the canal barrier which, when finished, will reduce flood risk to the people and communities of Rotherham from flooding.”

Construction follows approvals by the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency to carry out the works to the canal and surrounding area.

Sean McGinley, director at the Canal and River Trust Yorkshire & North East, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rotherham Council on this project to protect the town from flooding.

“As a charity, we are always willing to work with partners to improve the infrastructure of our waterways, and we are pleased to have liaised closely with the Council during the concept and design of this project.”

Dave Ferguson at the Environment Agency commented: “This innovative new flood defence, combined with the new flood wall on Forge Island, will help reduce flood risk to homes, businesses and key transport infrastructure in Rotherham and improve resilience to the effects of climate change.

“We can never completely eliminate the risk of flooding, but people can ensure they are ready this autumn and winter by preparing a flood plan and signing up for free flood warnings.”

Images: RMBC / Pell Frischmann

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News: Tram-train trial ends

The Sheffield-Rotherham Tram Train service will be used as a blueprint to benefit future UK transport schemes, as a two-year pilot to test the pioneering technology comes to an end.

Travelling on tramlines in Sheffield and the rail network in Rotherham, the award-winning service has taken on 1.5 million passenger journeys, and celebrated a 100% satisfaction rate, since its launch in October 2018.

The scheme’s success has driven a commitment for Tram Train to continue to run in South Yorkshire beyond the end of the pilot.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton Harris, said: “The South Yorkshire Tram Train is a flagship scheme that has transformed public transport connections in the region and could act as inspiration for similar schemes elsewhere.

“The £125m invested by the Department for Transport has resulted in millions of passengers using the new network, helping unlock our economy and better connect communities.”

Over ten transport authorities, including Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, are seeking to create their own Tram Train service, following the success of the South Yorkshire scheme, which was funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Network Rail and Stagecoach Supertram.

SYPTE Executive Director, Stephen Edwards, said: “South Yorkshire’s Tram Train pilot - the first of its kind in the country – has demonstrated that this innovative technology has real potential to provide an additional transport option for UK urban areas. Bringing with it many benefits to local residents, businesses and communities, such as new direct connections, reduced congestion and improved air quality.

“Our region is leading the way for Tram Train learning and application in the industry. We’re proud to have delivered this important pilot locally, and to be part of the future opportunities the pioneering technology could provide - creating solid foundations for further Tram Train service and infrastructure development, both for our region and beyond.”

Ambitions have been set to extend Tram Train to other parts of South Yorkshire giving access to thousands along existing railway lines, including into Swinton, Barnsley Dearne Valley, Waverley, Doncaster and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “Our region is a cradle of innovation and creativity and we're proud to have pioneered the UK’s first Tram Train connecting Sheffield and Rotherham.

“Across South Yorkshire we are building a transport system that is fit for the 21st century. To do this, we need to the Government to back our £400 million tram renewal programme. This would help us extend Tram Train to other parts of the region and unlock a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire."

The SCR Mayoral Combined Authority is asking the Government to foot most of the £439m bill to renew the existing Supertram network.

Plans in the region‘s Transforming Cities Fund scheme and Integrated Rail Plan for Tram Train also include a permanent 300-space park and ride at Parkgate in Rotherham and a new station and park and ride at Magna.

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Providing a comprehensive range of lessons learned to the industry was a key requirement of the pilot, to progress work in future Tram Train schemes. The scheme’s monitoring tests and day to day observations over a two-year period will evaluate the connectivity and economic potential of the technology, including around cost differences, technical standards, and operations.

Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: “We are extremely proud to have helped lead the way in this award-winning and innovative trial, which will be used to develop other similar schemes round the country. Most crucially, this will support the development of further public transport connections which are critical to the country’s green recovery.

“From its launch, passenger numbers and customer satisfaction have exceeded expectations, proving that Tram Train offers an affordable and efficient way to connect Sheffield City Centre and Rotherham.”

Stagecoach's operating contract for Supertram runs until 2024.

The pilot’s significant construction milestones included installing new track, power supplies and platforms at Rotherham Central and Parkgate. All contributing to enabling the complex project to develop new standards, infrastructure and ways of working which allows vehicles to run on both tramlines and the rail network.

Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail Knowledge and Development for Network Rail, said: “Over the last two years, the Tram Train service has improved connections between Parkgate and Sheffield, via Rotherham and Meadowhall for passengers, using the existing railway and tramlines, as well as new track and power supplies.

“Following the success of this pilot scheme in South Yorkshire, we have a new dedicated team working to support similar projects across the country.

“Network Rail is also working closely with Transport for the North and Sheffield City Region on the potential to expand Tram Train across South Yorkshire to help transform journeys and connect local communities.”

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News: Possible restoration for Rotherham rail routes

A number of underutilised rail routes passing through the Rotherham borough could be brought back to life as the Government looks to reopen lines and stations closed during the Beeching cuts.

The Department for Transport launched a £500m Restoring Your Railway Fund and invited MPs, local councils and community groups across England and Wales to propose how they could use funding to reinstate axed local services and restore closed stations.

Of the more than 50 proposals submitted, three involve underused lines in Rotherham.

The South Yorkshire Joint Railway, championed by Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford, runs from Worksop through to Doncaster, and was created to serve collieries on the way. Stations include Anston, Dinnington and Laughton, Maltby and Tickhill and Wadworth. It opened to freight on in 1909, and to passengers in 1910. It is now only used for freight services.

Stafford, who has raised the issue in Parliament, said: "Improving connectivity is a critical part of Boris's levelling up agenda and I will continue pushing to see our buses and trains improved."

Another submission is based around a new station at Waverley, one of the UK's most important brownfield regeneration projects which includes a new community of up to 3,890 homes alongside the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The potential station was one of a number of proposals for improving rail services in Rotherham that featured in a new strategic plan launched last year by the Sheffield city region (SCR).

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The bid centres on a new Waverley Station on the Sheffield-Lincoln Line (which skirts the Southern edge of the Waverley site and also serves Kiveton) and is linked to the third bid, which is further developed, for the restoration of passenger services on the Barrow Hill line between Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Whilst the South Yorkshire Joint Railway and Waverley bids have only recently been submitted, the Barrow Hill bid was successful in this first round of the Ideas Fund.

Sheffield City Region Combined Authority papers explain: "The restoration proposal for the Barrow Hill Line is to allow passenger services to use the current freight route between the Sheffield-Worksop-Lincoln Line and the Midland Main Line and as an alternative means of connecting Sheffield and Chesterfield. This will provide an opportunity to link existing communities with limited public transport to these employment hubs. The line reinstatement would also support existing strategic housing allocations at Waverley in Rotherham and a number of potential future allocations within the Sheffield Local Plan."

Services would run between Sheffield Victoria or Sheffield Midland, along the existing Sheffield-Worksop-Lincoln line as far as Beighton before transferring to the restored route as far as Tapton Junction where they would join the Midland Mainline for a short stretch into Chesterfield.

The Combined Authority is already working up wider plans to improve the infrastructure around Waverley and is also looking at how it can expand the success of the AMP into a wider innovation corridor.

Absent from the recent authority or government documents is an update on a potential new Rotherham Mainline Station.

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News: Tram-train marks one million passenger journeys

The innovative tram-train service between Rotherham and Sheffield has marked its one millionth passenger journey this month, as the popular service reaches its first-year milestone.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative pilot project where special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham. Funded by the Government, the trial aims to show how similar services can be introduced across the country.

The service has celebrated a 100% customer satisfaction rate and recently won the prestigious Global Light Rail Award for "Team of the Year."

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our region is steeped in rail heritage. We were home to the world-famous Flying Scotsman and Mallard, and now we've successfully pioneered the UK's first tram-train.

"We're proud to be leading the way with light rail innovation, and are now seeing other towns and cities look to us, to use our technology as a blueprint for similar schemes across the UK.

"It's great to see that more than a million people have used the Tram Train over the last year. I look forward to seeing the system continue to thrive, as part of the programme of transport improvements that I’m rolling out to make our network fit for the 21st century."

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Funded by the Department for Transport, the industry pilot is a partnership between South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Network Rail and Stagecoach Supertram, to test the connectivity and economic potential of Tram Train technology to see if it can be used elsewhere.

Light Rail Minister, Baroness Vere, said: "The award-winning tram-train gives passengers cleaner, more frequent and more reliable journeys across Sheffield and Rotherham.

"This pioneering project has brought together innovation, state-of-the-art technology and our existing infrastructure to give passengers better journeys, and lays the groundwork for more ambitious transport schemes right across the country."

SYPTE Executive Director, Stephen Edwards, added: "While South Yorkshire's award-winning tram-train pilot is a first for the UK, the first year of service has been hugely successful. Both customer satisfaction and passenger numbers are exceeding expectations and we hope that continues.

"Our region is leading the way for tram-train learning and application in the industry. We're proud to deliver this important pilot locally, and to be part of the future opportunities the pioneering technology could provide, both for our region and beyond."

Simon Coulthard, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said: "The first year of tram-train has been hugely successful and we are delighted to have played a part in the introduction of this pioneering technology which is better connecting cities and towns across South Yorkshire.

"We look forward to working with our partners to deliver further improvements and providing even more benefits for passengers."

Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: "We are delighted that within the first year over one million passenger journeys have already been made on the tram-train service. Passenger numbers and customer satisfaction have exceeded expectations, proving that Tram Train offers an affordable and efficient way to connect Sheffield City Centre and Rotherham.

"We will continue to work with our project partners to further develop the tram-train service within the region."

Plans to develop the tram-train over the longer term include a 300 space park and ride site for the terminus at Parkgate and a new tram-train stop at Magna, facilitating a new 150 space park and ride site.

Images: Stagecoach

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News: Off the rails - usage down in Rotherham

2017 saw the lowest level of usage at Rotherham Central station in nearly ten years.

Undergoing a £10.4m redevelopment and re-opening in 2012, data published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) shows that the estimated number of users has dropped to 604,032 in 2017-18. A near 100,000 reduction from the high of 718,082 seen in 2014-15.

Rotherham Central Station opened in 1987 and is located on a branch line constructed to serve the new station. Previously Rotherham's main railway station was located in Masbrough, and was served by mainline railway services. However, Rotherham Central was considered a more convenient location due to its proximity to the town centre.

Following the redevelopment, work has continued to introduce new platforms and facilities for the £100m+ tram-train project that connects Sheffield, Meadowhall, Rotherham and Parkgate.

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2017 saw Network Rail demolish and install a new bridge at Rotherham Central as the previous one did not have enough room for the overhead lines which power the innovative tram-train vehicles.

College Road closed for 18 weeks to Friday August 18. A temporary footbridge was installed to allow pedestrians to access the town centre from Masbrough.

The figures cover the period between April 1 2017 and March 31 2018 and the estimates of station usage consist of the total numbers of people travelling from or to the station.

In 2008-09, usage was an estimated 650,118 which rose steadily to 711,724 in 2012-13. 2014-15 saw a high of 718,082 but this declined to 689,540 in 15-16 and 690,734 in 16-17.

Usage at Swinton, also in Rotherham has remained between 390,000 and 400,000 over the last four years.

A much delayed project, tram trains began servicing Rotherham Central in October and should boost usage. The SYPTE, Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

Three services operate an hour, travelling on the Supertram network between Sheffield Cathedral and Meadowhall South and utilise a new section of track at Tinlsey, which links the tram line to the rail line. Vehicles use the national rail network between Tinsley and Rotherham Parkgate via Rotherham Central station, filling in the gaps in the Northern Rail service.

Images: AHR Global

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News: New Rotherham station would help maximise benefits of HS2

New stations in Rotherham and in the Dearne Valley on a proposed "Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR)" line could boost the economic benefits for the Sheffield city region (SCR) from HS2.

Independent economic analysis also highlights the need for improved intra-regional connectivity in order to benefit the most from the £55.7 billion project.

The SCR has been provided with £1.3m in Government funding to study the impacts of the new route and how it can get the most out of HS2. The best scenario in the study is for HS2 stations at Sheffield Midland and Chesterfield and NPR stations at Rotherham and the Dearne Valley.

The Government has been urged to include a HS2 parkway station in the SCR and a Northern loop out of Sheffield Midland, which at present is only set to be served by a spur.

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) is a rapid, reliable and resilient rail network between the North's six biggest cities and other economic centres. With continued research and analysis, Transport for the North is creating clear, fully-costed proposals for the multi-billion-pound scheme.

Initial findings from the delayed HS2 study include an analysis of including NPR parkway stations at Dearne Valley and Rotherham, which show that the economic benefit to the SCR increases to £1.3 billion over a 60 year appraisal period. Up from the £970m with HS2 stops just at Sheffield and Chesterfield.

The study, by Arup, Cushman & Wakefield and Ekosgen, also looks at wider economic benefits and shows that the two HS2 stations could help boost annual GVA above baseline figures by between £1.3 billion and £2.47 billion. With additional NPR stations, annual GVA could be boosted by £2.7 billion.

In terms of additional jobs, the HS2 stations could add between 11,930 and 23,270 jobs based on low and high growth scenarios. With additional NPR stations, an additional 24,060 could be created.

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The research states: "The economic evidence and strategic policy framework point towards two new intermediate NPR stations between Sheffield and Leeds at Rotherham, and the Dearne Towns as having the most transformative economic potential (recognising that Meadowhall can be connected to the HS2 hub at Sheffield through fast, high frequency public transport services).

"These new stations would transform the strategic connectivity of Rotherham and the Dearne Towns, achieving a stem-change in accessibility to the labour markets of Leeds and Sheffield as well as the national network. By doing so they can also provide a catalyst for accelerated regeneration and housing growth in the surrounding areas.

"Proposals for local transport improvements and reviewing planning policies in the context of the new stations would help maximise the benefits, and ensure development complements the role of nearby town centres."

Previous studies have shown that the only practical and cost effective way to enhance rail connectivity to Rotherham is to consider providing a new railway station on the mainline to take advantage of services that currently pass through the borough but do not stop.

Locations for a potential NPR stations for Rotherham or the Dearne have not been named. Best guesses for Rotherham would be on the mainline at the station at Masbrough that closed in 1987, or at Parkgate. "Rotherham Rail Station (Parkway)" is still a project in the SCR's Integrated Transport Block which sets out how to used Government funds and grants for sustainable local transport schemes.

Whilst land values are set to increase, analysis for the SCR shows that no new commercial or residential development is expected around a potential new Rotherham station, in contrast to Sheffield, Chesterfield and the Dearne which would share an additional 2.5 million sq ft of commercial development and 2,800 new residential units are envisaged.

HS2 consultations have designs being developed for a 6.7km long Sheffield Northern spur between Clayton and Thurnscoe which would connect the Dearne Valley Line existing railway to HS2.

As Rothbiz has previously reported, the SCR is developing the idea for a SCR Mass Transit project to enhance intra-regional connectivity. Rotherham features on a number of priority corridors including the Innovation Corridor, the River Don Corridor and the A631 Corridor.

SCR website

Images: SCR / HS2

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News: False start for Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train

Today was meant to be the first full day of operation for the pioneering tram-train project linking Sheffield and Rotherham but services where suspended until late this morning due to a derailment in Sheffield yesterday afternoon.

Carrying some of the first passengers from Rotherham, one of the newer vehicles, which have been operating on the Supertram network for over a year, was involved in a collision with a lorry at Staniforth Road, Attercliffe. The incident led to gridlock on the roads and services being suspended on Supertram's Yellow route between Cricket Inn Rd and Meadowhall and on the new Tram-train route to Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

The incident came just hours after Government ministers, transport bosses, local councillors and other dignitaries gathered to officially launch the trail project.

Project partners from Stagecoach Supertram, Network Rail, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and the Department for Transport were joined by representatives from local authorities and businesses for the unveiling of a commemorative nameplate by Jo Johnson MP Minister for Rail and the mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, Dan Jarvis.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative Tram Train pilot, which entered public service at 09.39 at Sheffield Cathedral. The special tram-type vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network to Rotherham.

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Jo Johnson, rail minister said: "The first tram-train journey is a milestone moment that will give commuters cleaner, more frequent and more reliable journeys across Sheffield and Rotherham."

Details of timetables and tickets can be found here.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "Today is a very important milestone and it is incredibly exciting to be travelling on this cutting-edge innovative tram vehicle, for the first time to Rotherham town centre and Parkgate."

The SYPTE, Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m when you add in the cost of procuring the vehicles.

The project was delayed a number of times as Network Rail got to grips with some of the heavy rail modifications, including power, track modifications, approvals and testing and commissioning.

Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, said: "I'd like to thank the people of Sheffield and Rotherham for their patience while we developed, built and tested Tram Train. The project has been a complex one and it is genuinely exciting to be ready to welcome the first passengers on board.

"Tram Train will bring new choices for travellers in this area, supporting jobs and the local economy. It's also important to us at Network Rail as the national infrastructure provider, as it gives us different options when we are looking to improve connections between communities across Britain."

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, added: "It's good to see schemes such as this transforming our transport network, which has suffered from years of underinvestment. For our economy to grow, and to ensure prosperity for all, we need to have an affordable and well-integrated public transport system that enables people to get to places of work, study and leisure quickly and easily.

"This the first step in transforming our region's transport system and making it fit for the 21st century."

The city region is looking at extending the mass transit network to enhance intra-regional connectivity. Tram, bus rapid transit, rail and highway options are included in new strategies.

The SYPTE is also investigating the feasibility of a tram stop and Park and Ride at Magna in Rotherham.

Supertram website

Images: SYPTE

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News: Tram-tram to start later this month

Passengers in Sheffield and Rotherham will become the first in the country to use innovative new tram-train vehicles when a trial finally gets underway later this month.

The new vehicles, designed to run on both the city's tramlines and the rail network between Sheffield and Rotherham, will begin taking passengers from Thursday October 25.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the £100m+ pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

Steve Davenport from SYPTE said: "As project partner we are thrilled, to introduce tram-train services on South Yorkshire's transport network later this month. The pioneering pilot has the ability to transform travel both locally and nationally. Connecting the people and places in Sheffield and Rotherham marks the start of this journey. We hope passengers from the local area and beyond enjoy the benefits this new transport option will provide."

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The tram-train pilot will run for two years with a view to permanent operation. Customer satisfaction, passenger numbers, reliability and costs will be tested.

Three tram-train services are expected to operate per hour but timetables, or the name of the route, have yet to be announced. Tickets will be fully integrated with Stagecoach Supertram.

Vehicles will run on the national rail network from Rotherham Parkgate Retail Park via Rotherham Central Station. A new 160 metre section of track – called the "Tinsley Chord" - links the tramway to the train line and vehicles will join the existing Stagecoach Supertram network at Meadowhall South and continue to Sheffield Cathedral.

The pilot project has come in for scrutiny over cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. Critising the Government and Network Rail, the Public Accounts Committee said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

An earlier report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE

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News: Another £1.2m needed for Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project

The innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train service requires an additional £1.2m to pay for an upgrade at the Supertram depot in Sheffield and cover increased costs.

The much-delayed and vastly over budget pilot project will see vehicles running on both rail and tram networks, using the freight route from Rotherham and then joining the Sheffield Supertram network at Meadowhall South.

It has come in for scrutiny over cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. Critising the Government and Network Rail, the Public Accounts Committee said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

An earlier report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

Now the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive's (SYPTE's) capital programme is coming under pressure from further overspending. An additional £1.230m has been identified for the tram-train project.

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An update to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority states: "The estimated final cost of the SYPTE led elements of the project have increased as a result of the proposed installation of an additional gantry at the Nunnery Square tram depot (not in the original project scope, but requested by South Yorkshire Supertram Ltd (SYSL) due to operational difficulties in maintaining a larger fleet of vehicles), increased SYSL operational costs associated with the implementation of tram train, and ongoing prolongation costs incurred as a result of delays in entering into service.

"The revised estimated final cost currently exceeds the budget agreed with DfT in 2013 who are fully funding the project. Discussions are ongoing with DfT regards agreeing a revised budget figure which more realistically reflects the forecast out-turn cost of the project, mindful of the delays and changes since 2013. As a result of these factors, the 2018/19 budget was increased in Q1 to match planned expenditure."

The SYPTE, Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on a pilot project which was first announced in 2009.

Network Rail is responsible for the project to modify the national rail infrastructure. SYPTE is responsible for modifying the tramway section and buying new vehicles, while Stagecoach Supertram is testing the vehicles and will run the passenger service.

With agreement from the Department for Transport (DfT), partners developed a business case to combine the tram-train trial with the project to increase capacity on the existing Supertram network in Sheffield. The £18m project to introduce four new tram vehicles secured £12.3m from the DfT in 2011.

SYPTE was awarded an initial £51m from the DfT and had committed some £33m on seven new vehicles. The first vehicle was delivered at the end of 2015, long before the heavy rail track was ready to take passengers to Rotherham.

The NAO report also revealed that Stagecoach Supertram, which holds the concession to operate the tram network until 2024, was awarded £2.5m from the Government after claiming prolongation costs and loss of revenue because of the delays to starting the service.

The 2017-18 SYPTE business plan contained a capital project for the additional vehicles and tram-train worth £52.4m.

Testing and driver training is now underway along the heavy rail line.

Network Rail says that the new tram train route between Parkgate and Sheffield Cathedral is expected to open "by late autumn" 2018.

SYPTE website

Images: Martin Miller / YouTube / SYPTE

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News: Tram-train spotted in Rotherham

You may have thought that the day may never come but the Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project is moving ever closer to servicing Rotherham as the innovative new vehicles are now being tested in the borough.

First mentioned in 2009, the now £100m+ project will see vehicles running on both rail and tram networks, using the freight route from Rotherham and then joining the Sheffield Supertram network at Meadowhall South. The service will run between Parkgate and Sheffield Cathedral.

Work was completed in April on overhead power lines in the Tinsley area to connect the Supertram and Network Rail routes. The new Citylink vehicles, which have been operating on the regular Supertram timetable from October 2017 to support the existing Stagecoach service, were tested on the heavy rail network overnight in May.

Daylight testing and driver training is now underway along the Network Rail line and, as the video below shows, vehicles have been spotted at the new lowered platforms at Rotherham Central station in addition to testing out the new sidings and turnback at Parkgate.

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The project has been delayed a number of times as Network Rail struggled to get to grips with some of the heavy rail modifications, including power, track modifications, approvals and testing and commissioning. The lead contractor, Carillion, entered administration at the start of 2018.

New vehicles will eventually run between Sheffield city centre and Parkgate via Meadowhall South and Rotherham town centre. A revised construction programme was announced last year that points to infrastructure being completed during Summer 2018.

Network Rail says that the new tram train route is expected to open "by late autumn" 2018.

With funding from the Government, the scheme is set to run for two years with a view to permanent operation. It is the first of its kind in the UK and if it is successful, it opens the way for tram trains to be introduced in other parts of the country.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the management of the trial when it revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

The Government's Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that the project had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

Supertram website
SYPTE website

Images: Martin Miller / YouTube

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News: Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train going live

Work continues to progress on the innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project which has moved into the final stages of construction.

New vehicles will eventually run between Sheffield city centre and Parkgate via Meadowhall South and Rotherham town centre.

Following the collapse of the lead contractor, Carillion, Network Rail has confirmed that the "project remains on schedule to deliver the infrastructure to our partners in South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Supertram to allow driver training to begin while the final infrastructure work and testing is completed this Summer."

With funding from the Government, the £100m scheme is set to run for two years with a view to permanent operation. It is the first of its kind in the UK and if it is successful, it opens the way for tram trains to be introduced in other parts of the country.

Network Rail has struggled to get to grips with the upgrades needed to the heavy rail sections of the route, and having originally being delayed, work was completed in April on overhead power lines in the Tinsley area to connect the Supertram and Network Rail routes.

The new vehicles have been spotted on the heavy rail network at night.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is the client in the project and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is responsible for the delivery of all of the light rail modifications, rail replacement and procurement of the vehicles. Network Rail is separately responsible to DfT to deliver the heavy rail modifications required for the project.

Following the liquidation of Carillion, New Civil Engineer reported that the Network Rail contract for the project was picked up by the Rail Electrification Alliance, a JV between Network Rail, VolkerRail, Siemens, J Murphy and Sons, Jacobs and TSP.

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Community safety manager at Network Rail, Vicki Beadle, has been visiting local schools to deliver the safety message. She said: "Many people – and not just children – think that the overhead line only carries electricity when trains, or Tram Trains, are coming through. That's simply not true. The wires are electrified all the time and these ones carry 750 volts. We don't want anyone's life to be irreversibly changed by coming into contact with that so we are making our message clear – the electricity is always on, so stay off the tracks."

Testing of the vehicles, which have been in use on the existing network in Sheffield since September, is taking place and further work includes the construction of low level platforms at Rotherham Central and a new stop at Parkgate.

Beadle added: "Regular tram users will be used to crossing directly between platforms, across the tramlines. We need to remind people that this simply isn't safe on the rail network as a train could be coming through on the other lines and the driver can’t swerve and won't be able to brake in time. Please remember to use the footbridge if you need to change platforms."

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the management of the trial when it revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

The Government's Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that the project, first mentioned in 2009, had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

Network Rail website
SYPTE website

Images: Network Rail

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News: More problems for Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project

Enabling works have been postponed for the innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train service that is scheduled to reach the borough later this year.

New vehicles will eventually run as tram-trains between Sheffield city centre and Parkgate via Meadowhall South and Rotherham town centre. For now, they are being used on the existing Supertram network in Sheffield.

With funding from the Government, the £100m scheme is set to run for two years with a view to permanent operation. It is the first of its kind in the UK and if it is successful, it opens the way for tram trains to be introduced in other parts of the country.

Already delayed as Network Rail struggles to get to grips with the upgrades needed to the heavy rail sections of the route, work was scheduled to be carried out in the Tinsley area this weekend to connect the Supertram and Network Rail overhead power lines. Buses were set to replace trams between Meadowhall and Valley Centretainment.

An update from Stagecoach, the operator of the Supertram service now states that: "Due to the contractor not receiving vital components from the supplier, the overhead power line work at Tinsley planned for the 24th and 25th February 2018 will no longer take place. A normal service will now operate on all routes on these dates, and work will be rescheduled for a later date."

Last month, Carillion, Network Rail's lead contractor on the project, entered compulsory liquidation.

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Earlier this month, Stagecoach was forced to withdraw the new vehicles from its network in Sheffield after a "problem" with one of the new Citylink vehicles near Shalesmoor.

The operator said: "As safety is our top priority, a decision has been made to temporarily withdraw these trams from service while the issue is investigated. We are working with the manufacturer to identify and rectify the problem."

The Department for Transport (DfT) is the client in the project and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is responsible for the delivery of all of the light rail modifications, rail replacement and procurement of the vehicles. Network Rail is separately responsible to DfT to deliver the heavy rail modifications required for the project.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the management of the trial when it revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

The Government's Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

First mentioned in 2009, a revised construction programme will see infrastructure complete during Summer 2018.

Images: SYPTE / Network Rail

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News: Tram-train contractor Carillion hits the buffers

Carillion, a leading international integrated support services business, has entered compulsory liquidation with immediate effect. The firm is the lead contractor on the delayed Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project.

The announcement came after the company, which specialises in construction and employs more than 19,000 in the UK, held crunch discussions with a range of financial and other stakeholders regarding options to reduce debt and strengthen the Group's balance sheet.

The Government were also involved in talks as it is reported that £1.7bn - a third of its revenue - comes from state contracts. Carillion asked stakeholders for limited short term financial support to enable it to continue to trade whilst longer term engagement continued.

An update to the stock exchnage said: "Despite considerable efforts, those discussions have not been successful, and the board of Carillion has therefore concluded that it had no choice but to take steps to enter into compulsory liquidation with immediate effect. An application was made to the High Court for a compulsory liquidation of Carillion before opening of business today and an order has been granted to appoint the Official Receiver as the liquidator of Carillion.

"We anticipate that the Official Receiver will make an application to the High Court for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to be appointed as Special Managers, to act on behalf of the Official Receiver, and we further anticipate that an order will be granted to that effect."

Philip Green, chairman of Carillion, said: "This is a very sad day for Carillion, for our colleagues, suppliers and customers that we have been proud to serve over many years. Over recent months huge efforts have been made to restructure Carillion to deliver its sustainable future and the Board is very grateful for the huge efforts made by Keith Cochrane, our executive team and many others who have worked tirelessly over this period.

"In recent days however we have been unable to secure the funding to support our business plan and it is therefore with the deepest regret that we have arrived at this decision. We understand that HM Government will be providing the necessary funding required by the Official Receiver to maintain the public services carried on by Carillion staff, subcontractors and suppliers."

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Carillion, which also has a contact centre in Sheffield (that was previously in Rotherham) was selected by Network Rail as the lead contractor for the innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train project.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is the client in the project which will see vehicles use both the tram and heavy rail network to connect Sheffield city centre, Meadowhall, Rotherham town centre and Parkgate.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is responsible for the delivery of all of the light rail modifications, rail replacement and procurement of the vehicles. Network Rail is separately responsible to DfT to deliver the heavy rail modifications required for the project.

Work carried out so far includes a new 400m piece of track near Tinsley to connect the tram lines and rail lines and work to improve signalling. Significant work was also carried out to raise College Road bridge at Rotherham Central.

A revised construction programme will see Tram Train infrastructure complete during Summer 2018. Work is yet to be completed on the new Tram Train platforms at Rotherham Central and Parkgate and on the installation of the overhead power lines.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the management of the trial when it revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

First mentioned in 2009, Network Rail signed an early engagement contract with Carillion in February 2013 to help design the works and began negotiations on the detailed design and construction contract in November 2014. This was signed in August 2015.

The NAO report showed that Network Rail agreed with an independent review that said that "the early involvement of Carillion in the design process did not work well."

As the project was delayed and over budget the Government recommended cancelling the project in 2016. The Rail Minister (Paul Maynard) was also presented with options to continue with additional funds, continue without further funds, or to re-tender the heavy rail infrastructure works, either taking the work away from Network Rail and Carillion or asking Network Rail to re-tender.

The Minister did not accept the recommendation to cancel the project due to the potential wider interest from other cities and, locally, on providing improvements in connectivity in South Yorkshire. Network Rail reallocated an additional £26.5m from other areas to ensure the project could be completed.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "The delivery of the tram – train link has been disastrous from start to finish. With repeated failures to meet deadlines and costs having quadrupled, the scheme now faces further uncertainty with the collapse of its main construction contractor.

"Carillion's collapse is yet another blow to the delivery of the project and the Government must provide reassurance that it will not result in further delays in service starting operation.

"Carillion's collapse is of course deeply worrying for its thousands of employees, many of whom are based in South Yorkshire. The Government needs to be prepared to bring public contracts back into state control and act quickly to provide reassurances to Carillion's workers."

Carillion website

Images: Network Rail

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News: Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train pilot - "how not to run a rail project"

The Government and Network Rail have come in for more criticism over the innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train service that is scheduled to reach the borough in 2018.

The Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

The committee is made up of MPs and scrutinises the value for money of public spending and generally holds the Government and its civil servants to account for the delivery of public services.

The inquiry follows on from a July report from the National Audit Office (NAO) that revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

The business case for the proposed scheme was based on the benefits to local transport users, such as reduced journey times. The project's benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.0 fell into the Department for Transport's (DfT's) "low" value-for-money category. As costs increased, this slipped further to 0.31, in terms of the local public transport case.

The NAO report revealed that the pilot project was close to being cancelled altogether as costs spiraled, but it was saved, mainly due to the interest in the development of further tram-train schemes with greater potential elsewhere in the country.

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Meg Hillier MP, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: "This project promised great benefits for passengers and, importantly, a potential model for similar schemes in cities such as Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow. Instead the reality is another rail project with all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for senior civil servants.

"This pilot was trialling technology new to the UK, yet neither Network Rail nor the Department for Transport properly considered the high level of risk and uncertainty.

"Unrealistic costings went unchallenged, resulting in an initial budget of £15mn spiralling to some £75m. There have been long delays, and it is still not clear how, or even if, the experience of running this pilot will reduce the costs and improve delivery of any future tram-train schemes.

"Not for the first time, we heard evidence intended to reassure Parliament and the public that lessons learned on this project will ensure the failings identified will not arise again.

"We will be expecting Government to back this up with a meaningful review of the way it manages such projects, from calculating cost estimates through to transparently evaluating results.

"Actions speak louder than words and on behalf of taxpayers we will, if necessary, recall witnesses responsible for current and future projects and hold them to account for their performance."

First mentioned in 2009, the project has always been considered a pilot scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, and was only approved on an exceptional basis.

The DfT is the client in the project, with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) responsible for the delivery of all of the light rail modifications, rail replacement and procurement of the vehicles. Network Rail is separately responsible to DfT to deliver the heavy rail modifications required for the project.

Since 2016, Network Rail has achieved a number of milestones, including installing new track at Tinsley, the power supply and a tram-train platform at Rotherham Parkgate and work on the College Road bridge at Rotherham Central. It also said that it has changed the way it is managing the project.

The innovative CityLink vehicles are now in service, but only on the existing Supertram network in Sheffield. They will eventually run as tram-trains between Sheffield city centre and Parkgate via Meadowhall South and Rotherham town centre, sometime in 2018.

DfT website
Network Rail website

Images: SYPTE / Network Rail

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