As we’ve mentioned before public relations was always going to be a crucial part of the Trams to Newhaven project and the project team are certainly taking notice of that judging by the detailed and regular updates on what is going on over the next few weeks to those who have subscribed to the email list.
The latest update shows that the works on Leith Walk are progressing well with a city bound running lane created as part of the enabling works before the main construction gets underway in March. To try and minimise disruption to locals this is being done on a phased basis.
Ground investigation works have now well and truly resumed after the Christmas break which has included some overnight works. Meanwhile, preparation works on the two Ocean Terminal roundabouts are also now underway.
The utility diversion works on Constitution Street are continuing with Morrison Utility Services excavating to allow for any required work to take place. This includes a number of trial holes being drilled to confirm locations of the overhead poles on the pavements.
The careful work on South Leith Parish Church Boundary Wall is also continuing with specialist members of the project team using the same kind of tools and working practices to separate the individual stones as those the original masons would have used to build the wall. Both the wall and monuments on the wall are listed by Historic Environment Scotland hence why such care is being taken to dismantle these structures.
It won’t be 2023 until trams are running but the first stages of work are now well underway to bring Trams to Newhaven.