New photos show latest progress on Leith trams project

Work to extend Edinburgh’s tram system into Leith is “progressing well”, according to the Trams to Newhaven project.

New photos from the group show a length of track laid in Tower Street, as well as foundation works on Leith Walk.

“Our infrastructure & systems contractor SFN are progressing well with their works,” the group added.

The progress update comes after concerns were voiced to councillors last month that completing the project could be financially damaging.

A report carried out on behalf of Edinburgh City Council by London-based consultancy firm Steer, listed four possible scenarios for the future of the network, each dealing with potential levels of demand.

The study found that demand for the central tram line could return to pre-covid levels by 2022, and demand for journeys to the airport returns by 2023.

The most pessimistic scenario, however, projected a drop in demand of 20 per cent in the following years costing the Council £93m in bailouts.

New photos from the group show a length of track laid in Tower Street, as well as foundation works on Leith Walk.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.