(Copied from an email from Trams to Newhaven)

The main construction works for the Edinburgh’s Trams to Newhaven project will start from Monday 15 June 2020 in line with the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 ‘soft start to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained).

Work on the project was stopped at the end of March to comply with Government guidance and to protect the safety of workers and residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the First Minister’s announcement on 21 May of a phased return for construction sites, plans have been drawn up in line with Scottish Government safety guidelines and industry best practice to ensure the safety of workers and the public. At the briefing on 28 May the First Minister confirmed that site preparation could begin and, following the announcement today, main construction works can now start. This will encompass the existing sites on Lindsay Road, Melrose Drive and Constitution Street which will start from Monday 15 June. In addition, main construction works on Leith Walk from Elm Row to Crown Place will start on Monday 22 June.

In advance of this some preparatory works on Leith Walk will start on Monday 15 June 2020 ahead of the installation of traffic management which will begin on the evening of Friday 19 June and be operational from 5am on Saturday 20 June 2020 including Lothian Bus diversions. All traffic management arrangements are made in consultation with key partners in the city, including blue light services and public transport providers, through the Traffic Management Review Panel and are continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure they work as effectively as possible.

All works will be carried out through physical distancing and additional measures to protect workers’ health will include daily briefings, continuous on-site inspections and health and safety ‘ambassadors.’ The numbers of workers on-site will be kept to a minimum and a large proportion of the project office staff will continue to work from home. While physical distancing will be a key principle of construction working, workers will also have access to personal protection equipment (PPE) which they may choose to wear as an additional precaution if they wish. It should be noted that it may take time for the sites to become fully operational.

The logistic hubs at the Mitchell Street, Foot of the Walk, Dalmeny Street, Albert Street and Montgomery Street will re-open on Monday 22 June to support local businesses with deliveries and despatches. All communal bins that are currently situated on Leith Walk will be moved to the side streets.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Chris Wilson

For information

The Scottish Government’s phased approach to construction details six key phases to ensure work is carried out in a safe way. These are:

• Phase 0: Planning
• Phase 1: Covid-19 Pre-start Site preparation
• Phase 2: 'Soft start' to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
• Phase 3: Steady state operation (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
• Phase 4: Steady state operation (where physical distancing can be maintained and/or with PPE use)
• Phase 5: Increasing density/productivity with experience