No Rotherham Central rail services as tram-train works continue

RAIL passengers have been warned to expect delays as works on the long-awaited tram-train project continue.
Parkgate Tram Train platform constructionParkgate Tram Train platform construction
Parkgate Tram Train platform construction

There will be no train services through Rotherham Central railway station from Saturday, August 19 until 5.30am on Tuesday, August 22.

College Road, outside the railway station, which has been closed since April, will remain closed until September 1 — two weeks longer than planned.

Work to install the second phase of signalling, which will involve the installation of the new overhead line system, will be carried out over the weekend.

Simon Coulthard, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Between Saturday, August 19 and 5.30am on Tuesday, August 22, we will carry out work to link the new signalling for the tram-train into our existing systems.

“In order to minimise disruption to passengers and our freight customers the main work will be carried out overnight each night and scaled back in the daytime to allow some trains to run on the main lines. 

“Unfortunately, because of its location, it is not possible to run any trains to or from Rotherham Central and replacement road transport will be provided. 

“There will also be a number of Sundays where buses replace trains at Rotherham Central to allow us to safely install the new overhead power lines. I am grateful to passengers for their patience while we carry out this work for this exciting project.”

Speaking about the extended closure of College Road, Mr Coulthard said: “We appreciate that this is disappointing to road users and we would like to thank them for their patience whilst we carry out this vital work. 

"We are working closely with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Rotherham Borough Council on this issue.

“We would like to reassure people that this issue will not in any way interfere with the completion date of the overall tram-train project and we are still very much on track for the introduction of a full Tram Train service for passengers in 2018.”