A recent update from the Trams to Newhaven project has confirmed that they continue to work towards a completion date of Spring 2023 and that it remains within the agreed £207.3 million budget. However, following delays in the construction so far (partly, but not exclusively, due to Covid) a revised construction programme has now been announced which will see the extension of works in some sections.
The new construction programme is as follows (the previously dates are when the work was originally due to be finished:
Newhaven to Melrose Drive – Spring 2020 to Winter 2021/22 (previously: Winter 2021/22)
Melrose Drive – Summer 2022 to Winter 2022/23 (previously: Autumn 2022)
A resequencing of the programme has resulted in a later start date but the works are expected to take the same length of time as before.
Ocean Drive to Melrose Drive – Winter 2021/22 to Summer 2022 (previously: Summer 2022)
Ocean Terminal – Spring 2020 to Autumn 2021 (previously: Spring 2021)
Delayed due to Covid lockdowns and complexity of public realm works in the area
Ocean Terminal to Rennie’s Isle – Winter 2021/22 to Spring 2022 (previously: Autumn 2021)
To facilitate traffic management arrangements, a small section will require to be completed separately which has resulted in a delay)
Rennie’s Isle to Tower Place – Autumn 2021 to Summer 2022 (previously: Spring 2022)
Construction will now take place in two sections resulting in an overall delay
Stevedore Place Tram Stop Area – Winter 2021/21 to Autumn 2021 (previously: Autumn 2021)
Casino Access Road – Winter 2021/22 to Spring 2022 (previously: Spring 2022)
Tower Street to Constitution Place – Autumn 2019 to Summer 2021 (previously: Spring 2021)
The volume and complexity of utilities, including a Victoria sewer, in this area has resulted in a delay
Baltic Street to Tower Street – Autumn 2019 to Summer 2021 (previously; Spring 2021)
The volume and complexity of utilities, including a Victoria sewer, in this area has resulted in a delay
Baltic Street to Queen Charlotte Street – Autumn 2019 to Autumn 2021 (previously: Spring 2021)
Works at the Bernard/Baltic Street junction have to be finished before this section can start. This will include the installation of attenuation pipes which are designed to control waterflow into the water system. On top of the main works there will be statue reinstatement and utility works Winter 2021/22 (previously: Summer 2021)
Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street – Winter 2021/22 to Autumn 2022 (previously: Summer 2022)
A resequencing programme has resulted in a later start but will take the same length as previously.
Foot of the Walk to Coatfield Lane – Autumn 2019 to Autumn 2021 (previously: Summer 2021)
Additional work was needed on the South Leith Parish Church
Crown Place to Foot of the Walk – Winter 2021/22 to Summer 2022 (previously: Summer 2022)
Plans for constructing this section are being finalised
London Road to Crown Street – Summer 2020 to Winter 2021/22 (previously: Winter 2021/22)
Elm Row – Summer 2021 to Winter 2021/22 (previously: Winter 2021/22)
A resequencing programme has resulted in a later start but will take the same length as previously.
London Road to York Place – Winter 2021/22 to Summer 2022 (previously: Summer 2022)
Traffic management arrangements under development
While it is disappointing – and is likely to attract negative headlines – that they have had to change the programme of works the most important thing is that it remains on target and it was probably inevitable after the past year that there would have to changes. Roll on 2023!