Despite previous saying that all tram work would be stopped for six weeks during the annual Edinburgh Festival, tie have now revealed that some areas will still see utility diversion work taking place. Both Shandwick Place and Princes Street (central areas of the city) will see work stopped but areas such as Leith and London Road will see some work continuing.
There is an embargo on all tram work in central areas from 1st August to 8th September and tie have said that all city centre works will be completed by 25th July. However, utility diversion work will continue throughout this period in Leith Walk, Ocean Terminal, Constitution Street, London Road, Gogar and Gyle. The start of the construction of the tram tracks will also affect areas including Murrayfield, Roseburn and Edinburgh Park.
Willie Gallagher, executive chairman of tie, commented: “The embargo, as agreed with City of Edinburgh Council, on all construction work during the Edinburgh festivals, has been a core element of the project's planning since its inception. This key event in Edinburgh's calendar should continue with the least amount of impact from the tram works and we're working with all to ensure that this is the case. Outside the city centre, we will continue with our programme of works on both the utility diversion and infrastructure contracts. We're confident that these will not spoil anyone's enjoyment of the festival."
But, and needless to say, this decision has not pleased everyone with Graham Russell, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, saying: “I know quite a few of the businesses in the area are pretty upset about this and there are also a number of venues in that area as well. It would seem to be fairer to have an embargo covering the whole city."
Source: The Scotsman