DfT approves new section of railway for UK’s first tram-trains

Work to construct a new section of railway carrying the UK’s first tram-trains has been given approval by the Department for Transport.

Network Rail will now begin work on a new 160 metre section of railway line at Tinsley Chord, South Yorkshire thanks to approval by the Department for Transport.

A joint Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application was made to the Secretary of State for Transport earlier this year by Network Rail and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) to develop the Tinsley Chord to allow the new Super Tram vehicles to join the existing rail network.

TWAO approval allows Network Rail to construct 160m of track and overhead lines to carry tram-trains

Works approval now allows Network Rail to construct 160 metres of track and overhead lines to carry the electricity to power the tram-trains, as well as a small building to house lineside equipment.

Once complete, the tram-trains will run on both the rail and tram network for the first time and provide a direct service between Sheffield city centre, Rotherham Central railway station and Parkgate retail park.

Andrew Penny, area director for Network Rail, said: “It’s good news for people in Sheffield and Rotherham that our application has been successful. Construction work on the ground can now get underway on this exciting project that will see the first tram-train service in Britain being piloted in Yorkshire.

“Network Rail is investing record amounts in improving Britain’s railway through our Railway Upgrade Plan and this scheme will give us and our partners a really valuable insight into the potential that tram-trains have to improve services for passengers in future.”

Steve Edwards, Executive Director for SYPTE, added: “We welcome approval of the TWAO for Tinsley Chord. The tram-train pilot will provide a boost to the regional economy, thanks to improved local connections, and has the potential to open the way for Tram Trains to be introduced in other parts of the UK.”