Edinburgh tram extension work paused

 

On 25 March Edinburgh Council confirmed it had instructed contractors to stop work on the construction of the extension of the city’s tram network to Newhaven.

The council approved the 4.6km extension from the current York Place terminus to Newhaven in March 2019, with opening targeted for February 2023. It instructed contractors Morrisons Utility Services and Sacyr Farrans Neopul to cease site works following advice from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that all construction sites should close unless the project being delivered was essential. Contractors would remain on site only to carry out necessary safety and security checks in line with social distancing guidance, although design, planning and scheduling work off-site continued along with work on a remobilisation strategy for when site restrictions are lifted.

A reduced timetable was implemented from 22 March on the existing line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place. The operator said first and last trams would run at their usual times with trams operating around every 15 minutes, although this would be kept under review depending on demand and