Revised designs for Edinburgh Trams extension to be unveiled

The major consultation exercise over the proposed extension of Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven is continuing at a pace with another series of drop-in events set to take place revealing some revisions to the design of the layout of the line. These revisions have come following the previous round of consultation which saw 8,000 separate pieces of feedback received.

Since the last round of consultation the following design changes have been made:

* New road layout between Pilrig Street and Foot of the Walk with improved provision for pedestrians, cyclists and loading/parking. A segregated cycleway for the full length of Leith Walk will also be provided.

* The stop at Balfour Street will to be moved to safeguard local access to Balfour Street

There will be three public drop-in events where full details of the plans – complete with new visualisations – will be available for viewing:

* Tuesday 2nd October 1400 to 1900 – Out of the Drill Hall, Dalmeny Street (exhibition)

* Saturday 13th October 1200 to 1700 – Ocean Terminal (meet the team event)

* Monday 22nd October 1400 to 1900 – McDonald Road Library (meet the team event)

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener, said: “We’re enormously grateful to everyone who took the time to have their say on our draft proposals earlier this year. It was a fantastic response and it’s allowed us to ensure the refreshed designs and plans are truly community-led, reflecting the community’s needs, wants and aspirations for the project – both during and post construction. Come along to one of our drop-in events and find out how your input has helped refine the plans.”

One of the previous sticking points for some had been the lack of provision for bikes but this has now seemingly been addressed. Andy Keba, Sustrans Scotland Head of Strategic Partnerships, saying: “inking the community of Leith to the city centre for people travelling on foot or by bike has been a long held ambition for local people. Having taken part in a very constructive consultation process over the summer, Sustrans Scotland are pleased to see this ambition realised in the latest designs for the tram. We welcome the inclusion of wide pavements and segregated cycleways along the length of Leith Walk. We hope this is will make it easier and safer for more people to travel by foot and bike between the city centre and Leith.”

Of course, as things stand at the moment there has been no approval of the construction of this extension. The City of Edinburgh Council are due to make a final decision in December when the Final Business Case will be considered.

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