Part of Leith Walk is due to reopen to traffic after a key milestone has been reached in Edinburgh Council's Trams to Newhaven project. Two-way traffic between Pilrig Street and London Road will reopen on Monday, July 18.
The City of Edinburgh Council confirmed that this marks the construction works between Montgomery Street/Annandale Street and Pilrig Street are now complete, with fencing being removed from outside businesses and homes.
The council also noted that the large-scale project remains on schedule to be completed by Spring 2023 and within the £207.3 million budget, with all major construction anticipated yo be complete by the end of 2022 ahead of a testing period.
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Since part of the Walk got shut down over a year and a half ago, many businesses and locals in the area have vented their frustration over the lack of customers and increase in congestion, but this new stage in the project marks major progress in what will soon add a new dimension to Edinburgh's public transport options.
The council have noted that progress on the highlighted route includes almost 4000 metres of track laid, 84% of the total, the main construction works completed on three out of the eight new tram stops with work progressing well at Balfour Street, more than 4000 metres of drainage installed and much more.
However, the programme for some specific sections of the route has changed due to industry wide challenges with the availability of materials and skilled labour, as well as other issues including complex utility conflicts.
As a result, some stretches are scheduled to take longer than originally planned, including Melrose Drive and outside Ocean Terminal. Full details of the updated programme are available on the Trams to Newhaven website.
Transport and Environment Convener, Scott Arthur, commented: "It’s great news that this key section of Leith Walk will soon reopen and will start its transition to becoming a vibrant multi-modal transport corridor. Not only does it mark a major milestone for the Trams to Newhaven project but I’m sure it will be most welcome to businesses and residents along this part of the route. I’d like to thank all those living and working nearby for their patience throughout the programme of work.
"As the project nears completion, the progress made so far is clear to see. Once finished, it will be transformative for the area and beyond. As well as delivering a low-carbon, high capacity and clean mode of transport to this densely populated part of Edinburgh, it will create improved public spaces, active travel links and support future growth and development.
"I do of course recognise that changes to the programme, which are down to issues outwith our control, are likely to affect people and we’ll be working hard to share the latest information and will continue to look at ways in which we can mitigate against some of these delays. To ensure residents are kept safe, I have also asked that parking restrictions are robustly enforced along the route.
"I’d like to thank the Trams to Newhaven project team for all their hard work. Despite the pandemic and global logistics problems, the project is on track to welcome its first passengers in spring 2023 and will be delivered within budget."
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