Leith Walk tram works and road closures to start in under two weeks if lockdown phase two goes ahead

The main phase of construction work to extend Edinburgh's tram system to Newhaven will start in under two weeks – if the second phase of lockdown easing in Scotland goes ahead as planned.

Construction work on Leith Walk was due to take place in March but the pandemic put a stop to this in line with Scottish Government guidance.

But signs have now appeared saying the northbound section of road will be closed from June 20th. An Edinburgh City Council spokesperson confirmed work will start on June 22nd.

Both lanes northbound will be closed between London Road and Crown Place, with one citybound lane on Leith Walk staying open. This is expected to last for the duration of the works up to at least summer 2021.

An artist's impression of how the tram might look. Pic: Edinburgh City Council.

A two-directional cycle lane will be created and bus routes will also be diverted with the main routes affected including the 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 22, 25 and 49, which will follow different routes on journeys towards Leith.

The £207 million tram extension will add 2.9 miles of track in both directions, connecting Leith and Newhaven with the current final stop at York Place.

Site preparations on Leith Walk are currently being done in compliance with Scottish Government guidance to allow physical istancing, with office spaces set up appropriately. This will include the introduction of infection control stations, more water stations and toilet facilities for workers on the site and project office. Daily briefings and continuous on-site inspections will be among the measures in place to ensure safety.

However, should First Minister Nicola Sturgeon decide not to go ahead with the second phase of lockdown easing on June 18th, the road closure signs will be removed.

Eight new stops will be added to the system once timetabled services begin in spring 2023.

The first phase of the project is already well underway in Constitution Street.

Edinburgh City Council leader Adam McVey said: “We are currently carrying out site preparatory works on the Trams to Newhaven project following advice from the Scottish Government and in compliance with the Government’s guidance on construction working and to allow physical distancing.

“The tram team have done a fantastic job in working together to keep within the approved budget in hugely difficult circumstances.

“Should the First Minister move to phase two of plans to lift lockdown restrictions on 18 June, we will be commencing construction work from 22 June, with the appropriate traffic management in place. These signs provide advance warning of this, in line with the required statutory notice period. However, we don’t move to phase two, the worksites will not reopen until we do.”

Edinburgh City Council deputy leader Cammy Day said previously that the Trams to Newhaven project would help encourage more "affordable housing, jobs and investment" in the north of the city.

Alejandro Mendoza Monfort, director of Sacyr Farrans Neopul, the main infrastructure contractor, also said at the end of May that they are committed to delivering the project while mitigating the impact of Covid-19.