The major utilities diversion works are now likely to be completed by November 2009, although the work within the Forth Ports land in Leith will be the subject of a separate procurement currently underway.
Actual tramway construction in Princes Street is progressing well and is due for completion by end November. Work will then cease in the immediate City Centre area until after New Year when track laying work is due to commence in Shandwick Place (immediately west of Princes Street) and in Princes Street east end.
Progress on other sections of the line has been slow in recent weeks due to the as yet unresolved contractual disputes between tie and the BSC construction consortium. A number of issues have now been referred to the formal dispute resolution process, though it will be towards the end of the year before this process is complete. Resolution of these issues will have impact on programme and cost.
The TRO process required to deliver Tram is due to commence its statutory consultation phase in October. This will allow for the making of an appropriate Order in July. Further Orders are likely to deal with the indirect traffic management consequences of Tram.
Court proceedings are imminent in respect of the few remaining objectors to building fixings. Most other objections have been dealt with though the objection management process.
The future TEL (Transport Edinburgh Ltd) business plan for combined tram/bus operation has been remodelled to take account of the economic downturn and is still showing the combined system operating profitably in the first full year of tram operation.
Tram construction by CAF is well underway, with the first tram due for completion by the year end. Because of the likelihood of delays in depot and track construction, an option is being developed to commence tram acceptance testing in Croyden. Some interior changes have been agreed to the vehicles – these will see the previous tartan seats replaced by blue leather!
Further tram updates can be found at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/transport and www.tramsforedinburgh.com.
Light Rail Vehicle Accessibility New Regulations
