This phase of the tram replacement work has seen the replacement of 4,000m of worn out sections of tram track along the Stagecoach Supertram network. The work has been completed on schedule and utilised new methods and equipment developed by VolkerRail during last year's track replacement works.

Sheffield City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee Vice-Chair, Cllr Leigh Bramall, said: "The tram is a fantastic asset to South Yorkshire and these essential works will ensure that it continues to run smoothly for a long time to come. We thank customers for their patience, and we are confident that the remainder of the rail replacement project can continue to be delivered with minimal disruption to passengers."

John Davison, VolkerRail senior project manager, said: "We are delighted to have completed this year's rail replacement works on time and would like to thank all stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to the smooth delivery of these works."

The work, which is essential to protect the city's tram network for the future, has been broken down into seven phases with the first four phases being completed by 2015. This work is part of a larger £32 million project to replace 22km of tram route across the Stagecoach Supertram network by 2024. The project is being funded by tram network owner South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and system operator Stagecoach Supertram.

VolkerRail completed the first stage of the project in 2013.