As mentioned in the article on the overall construction schedule for the Trams to Newhaven project slipping slightly, part of Leith Walk was due to reopen to traffic from Monday 18th July. The section in question is that between Annandale Street and Pilrig Street which has seen disruption for two years and in preparation for this reopening fencing was removed over the weekend of 16th/17th July.
Main construction works have now been completed between Montgomery Street/Annandale Street and Pilrig Street which will allow two-way traffic to be returned from Pilrig Street to London Street. With the fencing removed its also allowed a good chance to see the finished works. Although main construction works are considered finished here there does still remain some other work to take place including the all important installation of overhead wires.
This view looks towards Leith. At this time northbound traffic on the left was still diverted elsewhere but the southbound traffic including buses had less obstacles to concern them. The Lothian bus is making its way to the city centre and then on to Colinton and Torphin. McDonald Road tramstop is just beyond the pedestrian crossing at the first traffic lights whilst the central reservation isn’t always as wide as can be seen here.
Then we look in the same direction from the McDonald Road tramstop platform. The tramstop furniture has still to be installed but the two poles for the Next Tram indicators are in situ. Student flats are on the left with McDonald Road Library immediately beyond. Brunswick Street junction is the first on the right. (Both Photographs by Roy Calderwood, 16th July 2022)