We return to Edinburgh again to see some of the latest progress on constructing the first extension of the Edinburgh Trams network from the city centre out to Newhaven. Due to open in spring 2023 it is planned that most of the work will be completed during 2022 and despite delays to the project caused by events out of the project teams control it is said to still be on time and within the revised budget.
The line will run as far as Newhaven where the new terminus will be located. As well as the terminus this will also see a small stabling area for trams provided to allow for overnight storage and to allow earlier and later trams to run from and to Newhaven than otherwise might have been the case. There will also be driver welfare facilities here.
Towards the city centre end of the line and a significant addition to the progress report is the erection of the first overhead support poles. Located in the centre or road between the two tracks these are now being installed on Leith Walk between Annandale Street and McDonald Road.
Meanwhile, at York Place track laying has been progressing over the past few weeks to the extent that the westbound track from Picardy Place has now reached where the stub track used to end just before the former tramstop. Although not yet connected together that shouldn’t be too far off – its hard to believe that its less than a month since trams were still serving York Place!
In this view – taken from the top deck of a passing bus – we are at Newhaven and the main focus here is the stabling area beyond the tramstop. Beyond this area will be the welfare facilities for drivers followed by a landscaped area. Newhaven Harbour is a further quarter of mile along the road.
Moving to Leith Walk and this shot is looking north from the Annandale Street/Montgomery Street junction. The track visible is the one for trams heading to the Airport. McDonald Road stop is a short distance beyond the huts in the middle of the picture. The row of the overhead support poles can also be seen.
Again looking towards Leith and the McDonald Road island platform is clearly visible – this would be the platform face for the city and Airport bound trams. McDonald Road itself runs off between the two turreted buildings in the background. McDonald Road Library (opened in 1904) is the turreted building to the right of the left hand pole. (Photographs x3 by Roy Calderwood)
The two sections of tracks are seen tantalising close but not yet joined at York Place.
Didn’t there used to be platform here! The York Place tramstop platform is now gone with track in its place. This view looks towards Picardy Place. (Photographs x2 by Robin Barnes, 4th March 2022)