When you take a look at the route of Edinburgh’s Trams to Newhaven project you could be forgiven for thinking that the previous promise of all major works having been completed by the end of 2022 was not quite going to be achieved, but whilst there do remain various worksites on the way there has this week been a significant milestone reached. That milestone is the laying of the final piece of track on the 2.91 mile route between York Place and Newhaven – this piece is the final link between the existing and new routes and marks the first time that they have been fully connected.
Work will now take a break for the Christmas and New Period with the worksites being made safe before contractors stop work until 9th January 2023. Finishing touches are now being made which will include the removal of most of the fencing and filling excavations around the lamppost columns along Leith Walk.
The project now continues that the laying of this track marks the completion of the main infrastructure work and that testing and commissioning will be able to commence in the new year.
It had been hoped that two-way traffic would return to the full length of Leith Walk this week but recent freezing weather has impacted the necessary surfacing and paving works, as well as concrete supply. This means that two way traffic should now be introduced along the full length of the street in January. Vehicles will still be able to travel in both directions between London Street and Pilrig Street though.
Cllr Scott Arthur, City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport Convener, said: “This is a landmark moment in the Trams to Newhaven project – we now have a continuous line running from the airport to Newhaven, which will be carrying passengers in a matter of months.
“As we near completion the route is really taking shape – it will truly transform travel to the north of the city and boost the local economy. Not only will the tram provide a high capacity, sustainable form of transport for thousands each day, but improvements to the streetscape will create much more welcoming spaces for people walking, wheeling and spending time along the route.
“The project team has worked extremely hard to get to this stage, despite the Covid pandemic and industry-wide issues with labour and materials. While recent freezing weather has regretfully had a slight impact on plans, the majority of infrastructure work is complete, and the project remains on schedule for delivery on time and in budget by spring 2023.
“I’d like to thank all those living and working near their route for their patience. I look forward to delivering a tram service to your doorstep in the near future, and to the benefits it will bring you and the wider city.”
Trams to Newhaven project in numbers:
- 100% of tram track laid (4,631 metres)
- 100% of overhead line poles installed (215)
- 99% of communication ducting in place (4,579 metres)
- 95% of drainage (4,369 metres)
- Seven of eight tramstops completed