Message from the Chief Executive (CEC)
11 May 2011
Trams: next steps
As you know, over the last few months a large proportion of my time and that of other colleagues has focused on the tram project and bringing the contractual dispute to a conclusion.
I am pleased to say that we are now able to tell you about the initial outcomes from the mediation process that I and colleagues from City Development have been working on with tie and the construction consortium.
What’s happening now
The first sign of progress is an agreement to start priority works at Haymarket Yards, the Gogar Depot and the A8 underpass. These works are now underway.
What will happen next
A further key outcome of the process has been an agreement from the infrastructure consortium, Bilfinger Berger, Siemens (BBS) that they will fully repair the road surface on Princes Street. This will now go to Council for approval on Monday 16 May.
The proposals are for works to be carried out in two stages: from 3 July – 26 November and then from January – spring next year. No public funds will be needed. Other work on Princes Street will also be carried out, including erecting street lighting and remaining overhead line poles and work around the tram stop.
The extent of these works does mean that we will need to divert traffic which will take buses, taxis and cycles off Princes Street. They will be re-routed to George Street in a similar way to the previous diversions in 2009. The experience from that time is that traffic flows worked well with minimal delays and we have no reason to believe that this will not be the case this time round.
We will let staff know of all changes, if they are agreed by Council, in case you are directly affected. You will also be able to direct members of the public to http://www.edinburghtrams.com for further information.
While it’s unfortunate that this work is required, I do see it as a positive sign for going forward and a significant improvement in relations for all those involved. We will now work towards an agreed programme to deliver the remainder of the first phase and a predicted final cost. I expect this to be reported to Council shortly.
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