No timeline set for fixing hole under tram route

There is no timeline for when a suspended Sheffield tram route will be able to be reopened, authorities have said.

The blue Supertram route between Gleadless Townend and Halfway was suspended in September after a Victorian well and mineshaft were found beneath the tracks on Birley Lane.

Surveys, technical studies and borehole drilling have been carried out, and investigations are continuing into groundwater conditions and any historic mine workings beneath the site.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) apologised for the disruption and said: "We'll provide an update on reopening timescales as soon as we can once the solution has been identified."

Shops and market stalls at Crystal Peaks shopping centre are struggling as a result of the closure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A councillor said the centre's manager had told him a number of shops had reported "large reductions in takings" over the last month.

Alexi Dimond, chairman of the city council's transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said he had noted that "footfall has been badly hit by the loss of the tram".

"This demonstrates just how important public transport is for access to retail and leisure," he said.

"It is our understanding that investigations are still ongoing with no timescales identified for reopening," he added.

The SYMCA spokesperson said engineers were working to ensure that a "safe, long-term repair" could be delivered.

An obstruction within the shaft had been found, requiring further investigation before any permanent repairs were made.

"The results of these investigations are essential to identifying the right solution," they added.

"We appreciate the patience of residents, businesses and passengers while this complex work continues, and we'll keep people updated on our progress as soon as possible."

Replacement buses are running between Gleadless Townend and Halfway, with Supertram tickets accepted.

But the committee meeting heard that buses on the 120 route were often full, leaving some passengers stranded at stops.

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