Hopes of £5m boost for Rotherham link to Sheffield's Supertram system

ROTHERHAM’S proposed tram-train link to Sheffield could be in line for a £5m boost.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has made a bid to the Department of Transport for £5m from its Pinch Point fund, a £170 million kitty to be used in congestion-reduction schemes throughout the UK.

The cash would go towards the £18.9m cost of adapting existing track and stops on Sheffield’s Supertram system to allow their use by tram-trains.

The project would see tram-trains travelling on both freight lines and Supertram tracks, passing through Meadowhall and Rotherham Central Station along their route between Parkgate and Sheffield city centre.

Rotherham Borough Council has also applied for £5m from the pinch-point fund for improvements at the Pool Green roundabout on Centenary Way and for replacement works at Old Flatts Bridge on the Parkway.