We're proposing changes to Shalesmoor Gateway to improve travel in the area. The Shalesmoor Gateway is made up of Shalesmoor Roundabout, Rutland Road junction and the A61 dual carriageway between them.
About Shalesmoor Gateway
Shalesmoor Gateway is a key junction at the north of Sheffield’s Inner Ring Road (IRR). Sheffield’s IRR connects to the Sheffield Parkway onward towards the M1 motorway. The Shalesmoor Gateway is an access route to Kelham Island, Neepsend and the city centre. The junction provides access to the Northern General Hospital via Rutland Road and the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the University of Sheffield via Netherthorpe Road. The Shalesmoor tram stop is next to the roundabout and provides a key public transport connection to the city centre.
What the proposed changes are
Shalesmoor Roundabout is a signalised junction. It has three major arms (A61 Shalesmoor; A61 Penistone Road; Hoyle Street/Netherthorpe Road) and two minor arms into Kelham Island. The scheme would see the roundabout removed and replaced with traffic lights. This would allow free flow left turn movement, improving journey times and creating more space for public transport. The changes will enhance the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Walking routes would be improved through new Toucan crossings on the A61 and Hoyle Street. This would better connect the pedestrian and cycle network. The pedestrian and cycle provision along the A61 will benefit from a wider footway, segregated cycle tracks and more direct crossing points.
At the Rutland Road junction, the scheme includes a new Toucan style-controlled crossing which ties into existing cycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Widening on Rutland Road would facilitate both left and right turn movements onto the A61 for motor vehicles. This would provide more direct access to the benefit of the wider local network. This would simplify journeys and reduce traffic delays for vehicles travelling along the IRR.
The Shalesmoor Gateway scheme focuses on achieving better provisions for all modes of travel in the area.
Aims of the scheme
The Shalesmoor Gateway scheme aims to:
- make significant improvements to the road layout
- provide priority for public transport
- include more segregated active travel infrastructure to balance the range of demands
- improve travel in the area for all road users
- improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Why we need to make changes
The IRR is congested with long delays, especially during peak hours. The high levels of vehicle traffic contribute to air and noise pollution, that affects the health of residents and visitors. Sheffield’s economy is expected to grow in the next 20 years. The capacity of Shalesmoor Gateway must be improved to facilitate for this growth and adapt to the changing demands across all modes.
The bus and tram network that run along Shalesmoor is also impacted by the congestion. The Shalesmoor Gateway scheme will improve the reliability of these services and enhance access for the users.
The lack of segregated and safe crossings discourages residents from making healthier travel choices. By providing high quality, and well-connected active travel infrastructure, the scheme will improve safety and encourage walking and cycling.
How the changes will affect the area
The Shalesmoor Gateway scheme complements developments across Sheffield. The plans will support wider investment to maximise the potential of the area. It enables improvement to be made on the existing cycle network, making it safer and easier to travel by bike to and from the city centre. The scheme also helps create more accessible and safer pedestrian crossings that are easy to follow. The improvements to Shalesmoor Gateway will complement the Clean air zone’s ambitions to reduce dangerous air pollution.
Scheme stages
The scheme is currently at Outline Business Case (OBC) stage. The stages of the Shalesmoor Gateway scheme are:
- submission of OBC to Department for Transport in Spring 2022
- detailed design, consultation and tendering
- development of full business case (2022/23)
- construction begins in 2024