Project Profile: Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven Extension

The Trams to Newhaven project is a 4.69 km light rail extension to Edinburgh’s tram network, enhancing high-capacity connectivity between the city centre and the Newhaven waterfront. Completed in June 2023, the project involved complex urban infrastructure integration, including new signalling, electrification, and public realm improvements, to support the city’s long-term sustainable transport strategy.

Technical Specifications

The Trams to Newhaven extension consists of 4.69 km of new double-track infrastructure, adding eight new stops and creating a seamless connection from the city centre to Leith and Newhaven. The alignment incorporates a mix of on-street shared running and fully segregated sections to optimize traffic flow and safety. A key engineering challenge was the modification of major junctions, such as Picardy Place and London Road, to integrate tram movements with road traffic. System support is provided by Siemens Mobility, who delivered the electrification, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), telecommunications, and advanced traffic signalling systems. The line’s power requirements are met by two new substations strategically located along the route.

The extension operates using Edinburgh’s existing fleet of 27 CAF Urbos low-floor trams, a decision that optimized resource allocation and controlled capital expenditure. At 42.8 meters in length, these are the longest trams in the United Kingdom, offering a high passenger capacity of 250 (78 seated, 170 standing). The vehicles feature multi-purpose modules to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, luggage, and bicycles. This use of existing rolling stock demonstrates an efficient, phased approach to network expansion without requiring a concurrent fleet procurement program.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Regeneration: The extension acts as a catalyst for development along the Leith Walk corridor and in the Newhaven area, supporting new housing and commercial opportunities by providing reliable, high-capacity public transport.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility: The project is a core component of Edinburgh’s Transport 2030 Vision, designed to shift modal share from private vehicles to public transit, thereby reducing urban congestion and associated carbon emissions.
• Integrated Network Expansion: By replacing the temporary terminus at York Place and seamlessly integrating with existing bus services, the project serves as a successful model for phased light rail network expansion within a dense, historic urban environment.

FAQ

When did the Edinburgh tram to Newhaven open?

The Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven extension officially opened for passenger service in June 2023, connecting the city centre to the Newhaven waterfront.

Who built the Newhaven tram extension?

The main civil engineering and construction work for the Trams to Newhaven extension was carried out by a joint venture of Sacyr, Farrans, and Neopul. Siemens Mobility was responsible for key technical systems like signalling and electrification.