Since work began on the Trams to Newhaven project there has been one significant section which has been conspicuous by its absence – the part of the line closest to the current line at York Place. But this is set to change in October with work due to commence between London Road and York Place on Monday 11th October – the first of three phases of work.
The worksite will initially be established over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October and this will include the realignment of the London Road roundabout. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be installed through the site across from the Playhouse Theatre. Once the site is established Morrison Utility Services will move in to start ground excavation works with the clearance of any utility services and archaeological works. After this Sacyr, Farrans, Neopul (SFN) will continue with the full infrastructure works.
Traffic management will be put in place for this first phase which will see diversions introduced to allow the works to continue. One lane of traffic will run northbound from York Place with access to London Road via a right-hand turn and straight ahead to access Gayfield Square, Leith Walk and Annandale Street. Traffic will also be able to run south from Leith Walk with a turn left option to London Road or straight on past Greenside Place for Leith Street, York Place and Broughton Street. There will be no right turn northbound onto Leith Walk for traffic travelling from London Road.
Two further phases of work will follow, the first of which will run from January 2022 to Spring 2022 with an extension of the worksite from Picardy Place to York Place. The existing stop at York Place will remain fully operational throughout this phase.
A final phase will include a further extension into York Place and will see the removal of the current York Place terminus platform. The tram service will run from the Airport to St Andrew Square during this period.
All work on the section from London Road to York Place is due to be completed by autumn 2022.