Consultation for tram route from Granton to ERI

A proposed tram route that would replace the Roseburn walking and cycling path has sparked anger.

Options for the exact route of a ‘transformational’ northsouth tram line in Edinburgh should be put to the public “objectively”, councillors have said.

City transport officials put forward the Roseburn walking and cycling path, a former railway line, as the preferred route over a line across Dean Bridge and through Orchard Brae.

That decision has sparked controversy due to concerns about loss of nature and two kilometres of active travel space.

Councillors have agreed a consultation on the next extension “should present objectively the pros and cons of both routes,” as they debated ab early stage report on the project.

The 12-week engagement process with residents will launch in spring, firing the starting gun for a major new light rail connection between Granton and the Royal Infirmary via the city centre, which it is estimated will cost £2 billion to build and take 11 years to complete.

The report backing the Roseburn Path option said a threemetre wide footpath would be created adjacent to the tram line to maintain access for walking and wheeling. Cyclists would be “discouraged” from using it, with new segregated facilities proposed on Queensferry Road and Orchard Brae.

Lib Dem councillor Hal Osler, whose group has launched a petition to “Save the Telford/ Roseburn path”, said a wave of emails showed many residents were “horrified” at the possibility of losing a “precious linear park green corridor”, especially when an alternative option was on the table.