Edinburgh tram line extension proposed

Further extensions to the Edinburgh tram line has been suggested by a tram boss in recent weeks.

The plans would see a fourth extension of the primary tram line via London Road to eastern parts of the city. Meanwhile, the complete line might not be open until 2014.

Transport Initiatives Edinburgh claim there are no solid plans for a new extension but agree it might be considered in the future.

Gavin Henderson, from the Edinburgh Trams Media Office, told The Journal: “Edinburgh Trams remain optimistic that in the future further lines will be considered to create a tram network which will connect other areas of Edinburgh to Line 1A.”

The current main route connecting Edinburgh Airport to the city centre will be 18.5km long and include 23 stops with five minute intervals between the trams.

Other two extensions would close the loop between Granton and Newhaven and link the airport to Newbridge, however, these have been curtailed due to lack of funding.

The Scottish government has committed £545 million to fund the project. The construction is already expected to go over budget, with works to move pipes and cables from the tram route being over a year behind schedule.

The works started in late Spring 2007 and the first line was expected to open in February 2012. Edinburgh Trams maintain this deadline is achievable however, Bilfinger Berger, the German firm in charge of the construction consortium, threatens to delay the completion even up to 30 months due to an unresolved row over the estimated cost of the project.

At the latest meeting of the Edinburgh Trams Board, Chairman David Mackay, expressed his disappointment with the lack of progress by the consortium:

“My concerns and those of my fellow directors are for the people of Edinburgh who have continued to suffer from these seemingly endless delays.

“Our priority, and that of our partners, remains the delivery of a 21st century integrated public transport system, that represents good value and which Scotland’s capital city deserves. This we will do.”