Tinsley Chord

Overview

Plans to connect Sheffield and Rotherham

We’re planning to improve connections between Sheffield and Rotherham by linking the railway and the Supertram networks at Tinsley, so that Tram Trains can run between Sheffield Cathedral Tramstop and a new station at Parkgate Shopping Centre, near Rotherham.

The benefits

The proposals will help deliver:

• Better access to jobs, education and leisure facilities
• Local job opportunities
• Improve connections between Sheffield and Rotherham
• Greener journey options, minimising congestion on the roads

The plans

In order to introduce the Tram Train pilot service, we need to build 150 metres of new track at Tinsley (Tinsley Chord), which will connect the Supertram and railway networks.

The Tinsley Chord is part of the Tram Train pilot scheme, which is a partnership between the Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail, Northern Rail Limited, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and Stagecoach Supertram. SYPTE will lead on the delivery of the pilot. 

In addition to local benefits the scheme will help to provide, it also forms a national pilot of this innovative technology, which may be adopted by other cities across the country.

To build the chord we will need to:

• Prepare the ground before laying 150 metres of new track
• Install overhead line equipment and other track-side equipment to supply power to the Tram Train vehicles
• Carry out works to adapt the rail network to enable Tram Train vehicles to run

Network Rail is a considerate contractor, and we will work closely with the local authority and community to minimise any potential impacts of the work. 

Why we are consulting

In order to start work on the plans, we need to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for the necessary powers to build the new section of railway. 

Consultation forms an important part of the process and we are keen to hear from members of the local community and other interested parties with their thoughts on the proposals.

Follow the link below to leave us your feedback on the plans.