FAQs
General project FAQs
A more welcoming, people-focused high street with new pedestrian and cycle crossings, upgraded pavements and planting
Safer routes for walking, wheeling and cycling between Attercliffe, Darnall and the city centre to make these modes more viable and attractive options
Bus priority at junctions on Attercliffe Road and infrastructure improvements on Handsworth Road and Main Road, helping to improve bus journey times and make them more reliable
What is the purpose of the Connecting Sheffield Darnall-Attercliffe- City Centre project?
The Connecting Sheffield: Darnall-Attercliffe-City Centre scheme includes plans to transform transport between the Lower Don Valley and the City Centre.
The Lower Don Valley is a key area of development and the new infrastructure will help enable more sustainable access to up to 3,000 new homes and 1,500 new jobs over the next 10-15 years, making the area more attractive to live, work and invest in.
The scheme features high quality. largely segregated cycle routes, improved pedestrian infrastructure and bus priority measures to improve reliability and journey times. This will help make cycling, walking and wheeling and the bus more attractive options and improve access to opportunities for people without a car.
Why is this work happening in Darnall and Attercliffe specifically and how is this project going to help drive economic growth and accessibility in Sheffield?
As detailed in the Attercliffe Regeneration Framework, there are ambitions for 3,000 new homes and 1,500 new jobs in Attercliffe. Attercliffe is a key regeneration area for Sheffield to help support the city’s growth ambitions. The aim is to make the area more attractive to live, work and invest in. Investing in the transport network in Darnall and Attercliffe is essential to help realise these ambitions.
What benefits is this going to bring to the areas once the work has finished and how will this project help make the city greener and safer?
The Connecting Sheffield: Darnall-Attercliffe-City Centre scheme will support the development and growth of Attercliffe and Darnall. Once complete, it will bring a range of improvements including:
Why does the project focus on cycling in the area?
We already have good evidence from engagement on our Transport Strategy that lots of people want to cycle but they don’t feel that our roads currently provide the facilities and infrastructure to make this an attractive choice. Our aim is to make cycling safer and to provide improved routes that are clearer for people to follow because that’s what they have told us is stopping them travelling by cycle.
Especially for shorter trips, cycling is an efficient and quick way to get around, and there’s strong evidence to show that large numbers of people take this option in places where the right facilities are provided.
The more people who cycle, the less traffic congestion we have, which can help reduce trips across the city and the impact on communities living on main routes. Being more active while travelling also significantly improves our health and wellbeing.
Why are you creating more cycle routes in the area?
The Lower Don Valley is a key area of development and the new infrastructure will help enable more sustainable access to up to 3,000 new homes and 1,500 new jobs over the next 10-15 years. Existing road space is full, and there is no practical way of increasing road space in densely built-up areas. Because we know that an increasing number of people are frequenting the area, we want to encourage the use of additional modes of travel such as cycling, to get between Darnall, Attercliffe and the city centre, also. The only way to facilitate more trips, is by travelling on more space efficient modes, that allow more people to access high demand areas at peak times. We also know that investing in walking, cycling and a better public realm – instead of trying to solve congestion with expensive and disruptive road widening – isn’t just more space-efficient; it’s good for local businesses, too. Put simply, places that are walking, wheeling and cycling friendly are more pleasant to spend time in.
How is this work going to improve public transport also?
Priority for buses will be delivered at junctions with traffic signals along Attercliffe Road. The traffic signals will detect buses approaching the junction and extend the green phase or shorten the red light, helping buses get through junctions without needing to stop. This will help to improve bus journey times and reliability.
During future phases of the work, we will also be extending the length of the two westbound lanes on Main Road on the approach to Greenland Road to reduce congestion at the junction and be providing a bus lane along Handsworth Road from Clifton Crescent to the approach to the junction with Sheffield Parkway. These improvements will also help improve bus journey reliability and journey times.
Will this make it more difficult to get to Meadowhall for those living outside of the area?
The works are unlikely to impact on access to Meadowhall. Part of creating a safer, greener transport network that can deliver the growth our city needs and helps everyone to live healthier and happier lives.
Why are so many roads being closed to cars?
The closure of vehicle accesses is to help create low traffic routes for cycling, walking and wheeling. We want to make these modes more viable and attractive options for more people and deliver routes which are safe, convenient and continuous.
Vehicle access to all locations will be possible via alternative routes with directional signs and Variable Messaging Signs in place and maps produced to help make people aware of the works and any diversion/alternative routes.
While some vehicle access routes will change, you’ll still be able to access car parks in Attercliffe and the city centre.
Wont the road closures during construction cause more traffic all the time?
Although we’ve had to close some routes, a diversion is in place for anyone heading towards the city centre. Vehicles will still be able to get to the car parks on Furnival Road from the Inner Ring Road, but the exit from the car parks will be via Exchange Place and Park Square Roundabout.
Also worth outlining that Derek Dooley Way will not be closed, instead traffic management will be in place which involves two narrow traffic lanes in either direction so the works can be undertaken safely.
Will there be disruption and delays to my journeys in and around the area?
There are diversions in place whilst the construction is ongoing. We advise you to follow diversion signage and plan your journeys ahead.
How will the project and construction of the project impact my public transport journeys into the city centre?
Bus services travelling along Attercliffe Road towards the city centre are already using the diversion route. Signs have been placed at bus stops along Attercliffe Road to make bus users aware of the works and inform them of where they will be able to catch the bus.
How will my business be affected during the construction of the project?
We understand that construction work can raise concerns for local businesses, and we are committed to keeping any disruption to a minimum. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the works, and our site team we will work closely with you to understand any specific needs around deliveries or collections. Where challenges arise, the site team will do everything reasonably possible to support you and keep your business operating smoothly.
How is this going to affect my business, will I be able to take in my deliveries?
Loading/unloading bay will be permitted outside of the peak hours. Oakes Green and Shortridge carparks will also remain open during the duration of works on Worksop Road and Attercliffe Road.
The nature of the changes that may impact you depend on your location. Deliveries will still be possible on side streets along Attercliffe Road during the works with active loading/unloading allowed on double yellow lines.
We appreciate that this may be unreasonable for deliveries/collections which are heavy and/or bulky, in which case the people undertaking the works will look to assist you in facilitating loading/unloading safely in the works area.
Is there any compensation available for businesses impacted by the project during construction and once in place?
We understand that construction work can be challenging for nearby businesses, and we are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum. There is no compensation available as part of this scheme, but we will work closely with businesses to maintain access, support deliveries and collections, and provide regular updates so you can plan ahead. Our aim is to help businesses continue operating as smoothly as possible throughout the works.
Are the roads that are closed during construction going to be closed permanently?
The project includes several road closures to create low‑traffic routes for pedestrians and cyclists and to give greater priority to these modes along Attercliffe Road, helping to deliver a more people‑focused high street. Access to all roads and car parks will still be possible throughout the works, although drivers may need to follow a slightly different route at times. Temporary signage will be in place during construction to clearly direct people along diversion routes, and permanent signage will also be installed to improve wayfinding to the council‑owned car parks adjacent to Attercliffe Road. Some roads may need to close temporarily to allow work to progress safely, but any diversions will be clearly signed to help you navigate the area.
I live on one of the roads affected by the work, will I still be able to get to my house and park my car outside it?
Access to homes will be maintained throughout the works. While there may be instances where the route is not as direct as it was previously, we will always ensure you can reach your home safely. If any specific access issues arise, we will look to work with you to find a practical solution.
Is this the end of the project work or will you be carrying on with more once this aspect has finished?
No, this is not the end of the project. The works on Derek Dooley Way and on Attercliffe Road between Staniforth Road and Worksop Road are the initial phases of the scheme. Because of the scale of the Connecting Sheffield: Darnall–Attercliffe–City Centre project, and the need to manage the network carefully, construction of the scheme will continue in phases until 2028. We will provide regular updates throughout the construction on each of these phases.
How will this make public transport more attractive?
Bus priority at traffic signals along Attercliffe Road, together with infrastructure improvements on Main Road and Handsworth Road, will help make bus journeys more reliable and reduce overall journey times. More predictable and faster services are key to making public transport a more attractive option for passengers.
From 2027, bus franchising in Sheffield will also begin, giving us a clear route to taking back control of fares, routes and timetables. This is an important step towards building the first-class, integrated bus network our city deserves.
Red Routes
- Attercliffe Road and Attercliffe Common – between the junctions with Effingham Road and Janson Street.
- Worksop Road – between the junctions with Attercliffe Road and Leeds Road.
- Helping keep traffic moving, reducing journey times for vehicles and air pollution
- Improving bus reliability
- Improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists people using buses and drivers
- Providing a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists
- Bodmin Street – approx. 20 spaces
- Kimberley Street – approx. 40 spaces
- Shortridge Street – approx. 60 spaces
- Zion Lane – approx. 20 spaces
- To prevent an accident occurring
- When directed to do so by a police officer or to allow an emergency vehicle to pass
- If your vehicle has broken down (evidence that a vehicle has broken down will be required)
What is a red route?
A red route prohibits parking, loading, and waiting and is represented by red lines.
Single red lines prohibit parking, loading and waiting during the hours of operation, unless in a marked bay.
Double red lines prohibit parking, loading and waiting at any time unless in a marked bay.
A red route applies to the footway, cycle track and any verges as well as the road itself. A red route allows for the camera enforcement of illegal parking and loading, helping to protect the footway and cycle track and allow traffic to flow.
In Attercliffe this would involve replacing the existing double yellow lines and loading restrictions along Attercliffe Road, Attercliffe Common and Worksop Road with double red lines.
Where is the red route proposed?
A red route is proposed along:
Why do we need a red route?
To create the space needed to deliver improvements to the cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure, helping improve the quality of the environment in Attercliffe and support the growth and regeneration of the area, there is a need to narrow the width of the road.
Parking is not currently permitted on Attercliffe Road and sections of Worksop Road, but parking and loading surveys show that over 100 vehicles a day are parking/loading illegally on Attercliffe Road. On Worksop Road, this number increases to nearly 250 vehicles a day.
Without enforcement, once the scheme is delivered, vehicles could park in the cycle track, impacting its use and safety for cyclists, or park on the road, disrupting traffic flows through Attercliffe. Having a red route will help address these potential issues.
What are the benefits of a red route?
The key benefits of a red route include:
Was a red route the only option that was considered?
No, the following options were considered for Attercliffe Road and Worksop Road.
| Option | Outcome |
|---|---|
| No change | The narrowing of the road to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists is likely to either result in vehicles parking in the cycle track, resulting in a safety issue for cyclists, or parking on the road, resulting in vehicles not being able to pass, affecting traffic flows and journey times. |
Installation of bollards between the cycle track and carriageway | This would help prevent vehicles parking in the cycle track, but is expensive and would reduce the width of the cycle track and its accessibility for all cycle types. |
Installation of guardrail between the cycle track and carriageway | This would help prevent vehicles parking in the cycle track, but would reduce the width of the cycle track and impact the movement of cyclists, as well as impact the look and feel of the street. |
| On-road mandatory cycle lane with camera enforcement | The enforcement would help prevent vehicles parking/loading in the cycle lane and on the road, but the cycle lane will not provide protection for cyclists from vehicles. |
| Red route | Will help prevent vehicles parking/loading in the cycle track which will be separated from the road, offering better protection for cyclists. |
Where will I be able to park?
Car parks located near Attercliffe Road are shown on the map provided. These are:
Parking is also available on side roads along Attercliffe Road where there are no restrictions (single/double yellow lines).
On Worksop Road, marked parking bays will be provided where possible between the junctions of Attercliffe Road and Leeds Road.
Where will I be able to load/unload?
Dedicated loading/unloading bays will be provided on side roads along Attercliffe Road. The proposed location of the loading/unloading bays are included on the map provided.
Loading/unloading will be allowed at certain locations and times along Attercliffe Road, as shown on the map provided. These locations will be clearly signed to let drivers know where, when and how long stopping is allowed for.
Are there any vehicle exemptions on red routes?
Emergency services, Royal Mail vehicles and Sheffield City Council refuse and recycling vehicles are exempt from restrictions, but not at bus stops.
Exceptions to the ‘no stopping’ rule for other vehicles are:
Can blue badge holders stop on a red route?
Drivers can stop to pick up or drop off a Blue Badge holder. To do this, the Blue Badge must be displayed, and the vehicle must move off as soon as possible.
Can taxis and private hire vehicles stop on a red route?
A licensed taxi (hackney or private hire) can stop to allow a passenger to get in or out of the vehicle. The vehicle must then move off as soon as possible.