Edinburgh Tram Extension

EDINBURGH CITY Council is considering whether to authorise another large extension to the capital’s tram network, taking the line out to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by 2030. The proposal would see a northsouth line added that would run from Granton Harbour to Roseburn or Shandwick Place. This would allow trams to then follow the current city-centre track prior to heading southeast down to the Royal Infirmary and bioQuarter. Not only that, but there are also proposals for a mass transit network, including trams, to head west from Edinburgh Airport and into West Lothian. Work is already underway to extend the existing airport-city centre line to Leith and Newhaven.

The Council was due to be briefed on the full proposal on February 19. Council transport leader Lesley Macinnes said: “We recognise the fact that there’s an enormous requirement for a north/south [route]. We also recognise there’s a demand out west, partly to pick up cross-border traffic from West Lothian. We’re looking at that regional aspect to pick up some of the car commuting – so the west of Edinburgh is going to be quite important in that, and obviously the north/south line to service the Royal Infirmary and the bioQuarter and going on into Midlothian.”