Within the next two years it should be possible to take a tram once again along Leith Walk and to Newhaven with the Trams to Newhaven project due to be completed in the early part of 2023 (subject to any unforeseen delays that is). But before we reach that time there remains a significant amount of work to be completed, although to the casual observer there has already been a lot of progress with utility diversions, track laying and platform construction all notable milestones achieved so far. In this latest pictorial update, Mike Haddon provides us with some images at various points of the extension taken in mid-September.
The Trams to Newhaven project will see a further 2.91 miles (4.69 km) added to the Edinburgh Trams network with eight new stops constructed too (with one old stop at York Place removed). The stops will be located at Picardy Place (replacement for York Place), McDonald Road, Balfour Street, Foot of the Walk, The Shore, Port of Leith, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven. As well as providing local residents with excellent access into Edinburgh City Centre and beyond it will also allow tourists and visitors to the area the chance to easily get to attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia.
In this first image we are looking west from Portland Gardens roundabout towards Lindsay Road, and the eventual Newhaven terminus. The terminus will also provide space for stabling of trams and staff welfare facilities.
A view north west in Ocean Drive, Leith looking at the bridge that takes the tramway over the entrance to Victoria Dock.
This shot is looking south west towards Duke Street with works underway in Constitution Street, Leith.
This is Leith Walk with a view looking southwest at Springfield Street.
And then in this photo we are again on Leith Walk as we look northeast at Shrubhill, with the new buildings on the left on the site of the entrance to the former main Edinburgh tram / bus depot. (All Photographs by Mike Haddon, 20th September 2021)