Traffic has returned to York Place in central Edinburgh after more than a year following the installation of new infrastructure for the city’s long awaited tram system. This represents an important step forward for the delayed scheme, which was originally due to open in February 2011.

Completion of track and road works means that most of the tram infrastructure is now in place between Princes Street and the east end of York Place.

Return of traffic to York Place follows the full reopening of Princes Street at the end of 2012 and nearby St Andrew Square in April this year.

Edinburgh City Council’s transport convener Lesley Hinds said: “Our target remains to have a service up and running by summer next year, but we will bring this date forward if we can.”

Her colleague Colin Smith added: “We welcome the co-operative approach from the contractor to hand back parts of the works ahead of the revised schedule for the benefit of the city.”

Three new signal controlled junctions have been installed at York Place’s interface with North St Andrew Street, Elder Street and Broughton Street. Tram track sections on York Place are for trams only and will not be available for general traffic use.

Work continues in the city’s West End area from Shandwick Place to Haymarket with overall completion of the West End construction works due this autumn.

(Photo: Edinburgh City Council)

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