Whilst all the excitement of the Trams to Newhaven project recently has obviously been the first tram on the line there has also been some further progress during February on the final stages of construction. In this pictorial article we take a look at what is fast becoming a completed tramway.
Public tram services are still scheduled to start operation in the spring (on target) and it remains within budget. The next few weeks and months will see the testing gradually ramp up and during this time there will also be various localised works to complete the infrastructure, although these are not part of the main construction works.
This is The Shore tramstop as we look towards the city centre. Like the other stops on the extension, it is now almost ready for use with the ticket machines having been installed along with the travel-card validators. The ticket machines are temporarily enclosed in wooden boxes.
A view looking in the other direction shows the warning signs which are being displayed along the entire extension indicating that the overhead wires are now live and that any construction work along the tram route may require special permission to proceed.
The ‘next tram’ displays on some stops are currently showing a promise of things to come.
A little further back towards Leith Walk is the new wall along the side of the grounds of South Leith Parish Church. This wall was completely rebuilt as part of the tram project. The wall carries shortened traction poles bolted to the top of the wall to support the overhead wires. (Photographs x4 by John Hampton, 11th March 2023)
The far end of the line at Newhaven. This is taken from the top deck of a no. 11 bus towards Ocean Terminal and shows the staff welfare facility and tram stabling provision. The stop can just be seen in the mid distance.
Ocean Terminal tramstop looking towards the city. Just a few days later and this scene had an added tram, stabled there following the first night of testing.
Ocean Drive with Ocean Terminal in the background.
The crossover at Ocean Terminal has a rubberised open surface matting instead of the more traditional tarmac. This is looking towards Newhaven with Ocean Terminal on the right. (Photographs x4 by Robin Barnes, 10th March 2023)