Morrison Utility Services has announced it is set to begin the enabling swept path works as part of the first phase of work of the Edinburgh tram extension project.

Work to take trams to Newhaven is scheduled to begin on Constitution Street in mid-November.

The work in finalising the plans has also demonstrated that the project budget of £207.3m reported in the Final Business Case remains achievable.

Enabling works will start on Constitution Street with the main programme of work beginning in spring 2020.

Passenger services are timetabled to begin in Spring 2023.

What did the officials say?

Peter Carolan, Executive Director, Morrison Utility Services, said:

 “We are delighted that the project has had final sign off from the Council.  During the ECI period, we have demonstrated our ability to work in a collaborative manner, offer real depth of experience in delivering large scale utility contracts and the ability to deploy innovation which will deliver tangible benefits to the successful delivery of the project.

“As we move to the next phase of the project our goal will be to build on the strong relationships formed with our construction partners and City of Edinburgh Council during the ECI period and deliver the project to the highest safety and delivery standards, while driving a positive customer experience.”

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said:

“The past six months have been invaluable in allowing the project team to work hand in hand with our contractors to put the designs and construction programme through their paces so that we’re in the best possible position to get started in mid-November. Now that we’ve finalised the plans, we’re pressing ahead with getting everything ready to begin the first phase of work in Constitution Street alongside enabling works on Leith Walk.”

Deputy Council Leader Cammy Day added:

“This thorough, collaborative and open approach is exactly how we mean to go on, striving to keep disruption to a minimum and helping maintain the vibrancy and attractiveness of the area as place to live, visit and shop.

“Taking trams to Newhaven is going to be transformative for Leith, north Edinburgh and the whole of our fast-growing city, opening up new economic, social, housing and development opportunities and connecting thousands more people sustainably to major centres of employment, without putting pressure on existing Council budgets.”

Alejandro Mendoza Monfort, SFN JV Project Director, said:

“On behalf of the Sacyr Farrans Neopul Joint Venture, we are delighted at the announcement. As a team, we were confident the ECI period would bring great benefits to the project through the collaboration with the Council and key stakeholders. This six-month period has given all parties a great stepping stone to build on and we now look forward to delivering a successful Trams to Newhaven project, along with the wide-ranging social and economic benefits for the local community.

“At every point during delivery, we will pay close attention to maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality. We will ensure the needs of the community and local businesses are central to our plans, to ensure they experience minimum disruption. We are committed to ensuring we leave a positive lasting legacy to the community of Leith, Newhaven and the City of Edinburgh.”

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