Media centre

Monday 4 Jan 2021

Major upgrade to railway bridge in Sheffield means temporary changes to towpath

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

A Network Rail investment of £1.4million to strengthen a railway bridge over the River Don will mean the temporary closure of a section of the Tinsley towpath.

Network Rail teams have been on site at Halfpenny bridge since November last year, with the main work to upgrade it beginning on Monday, 18 January.

The vital project will see the bridge strengthened and the walkway and bridge deck replaced, making sure that services can continue to run safely and reliably for years to come.

Halfpenny bridge will also have a fresh coat of paint, making it look nicer for people in the community who are using the towpath. The work is expected to complete in April.

To allow the work to take place safely, the section of the towpath which runs between Sheffield and Rotherham, will be closed from today (Monday, 4 January).

Network Rail has worked closely with Sheffield City Council and waterway and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust. Diversions and maps will be up to direct people back onto the towpath.

The work will not impact on train services and the Tram Train between Rotherham and Meadowhall, as well as freight services, will continue to use the bridge whilst the work takes place. 

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “This is a really important piece of work which will enable train services to run reliably and safely for years to come, keeping passengers and goods moving across South Yorkshire.

“There will be temporary changes to access of the Tinsley towpath. A clearly sign-posted diversion route will be in place, but this will be a longer route, so please allow extra time.”

ENDS