Design changes made to tram extension plans

Edinburgh Council has made design changes to their plans for a tram extension to Newhaven.

It comes after the local authority received over 8,000 responses to their public consultation.

Following feedback, a number of aspects of the design have now been altered. These include:

• A new road layout between Pilrig Street and Foot of the Walk

• Improved provision for pedestrians, cyclists and loading/parking

• A segregated cycleway for the full-length of Leith Walk

-Movement of Balfour Street tram stop to safeguard local access to Balfour Street

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’re enormously grateful to everyone who took the time to have their say on our draft proposals earlier this year. It was a fantastic response and it’s allowed us to ensure the refreshed designs and plans are truly community-led, reflecting the community’s needs, wants and aspirations for the project – both during and post construction. Come along to one of our drop-in events and find out how your input has helped refine the plans.”

Andy Keba, Sustrans Scotland's Head of Strategic Partnerships said: "Linking the community of Leith to the city centre for people travelling on foot or by bike has been a long held ambition for local people.

“Having taken part in a very constructive consultation process over the summer, Sustrans Scotland are pleased to see this ambition realised in the latest designs for the tram.

“We welcome the inclusion of wide pavements and segregated cycleways along the length of Leith Walk. We hope this is will make it easier and safer for more people to travel by foot and bike between the city centre and Leith."