Scotland’s Transport Minister ‘heartened’ by tram project’s progress

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Scotland’s Transport Minister, Keith Brown, has said he was ‘heartened’ by the progress of Edinburgh’s troubled tram project during a visit to the city’s new airport platform.

Mr Brown joined Edinburgh’s Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, and Edinburgh International Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar today (November 14) for a tour of the airport tram stop site.

Once complete, the £776 million light rail network will connect the airport with the city centre.

The project has incurred a number of setbacks, but last week officials said they were confident the network would be up and running in line with the revised 2014 deadline and to budget.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “It was fascinating to visit the site and see the overhead power lines that are due to go live at the end of November. This will allow the system to undergo testing, a crucial stage of the process, and is further evidence of the significant progress being made.

“The trams project has caused a lot of disruption to many residents, businesses and motorists in Edinburgh, and they deserve praise for their patience. However I am heartened to see the project taking shape, and Transport Scotland is now playing a key role in overseeing the delivery.

“Our immediate focus, and that of the Council, is to deliver a tram project that will help erase the memories of what has gone before, and breathe new life into the capital.

“There are of course major benefits for the rest of Scotland’s transport network. In terms of connectivity, the new Edinburgh Airport tram stop, combined with the planned Edinburgh Gateway rail-tram interchange, refurbished Haymarket Station and existing station at Edinburgh Park, will provide better links and more options with between the Scottish rail network, Edinburgh Airport and other key transport hubs.”

Edinburgh’s Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “The tram project is now making good, steady progress in line with the revised schedule and when finished will be a vital part of a new, modern, integrated transport system for the future.

“This particular part of the line is especially important and will connect the city centre to the airport, something that will benefit the people of Edinburgh and visitors for many years to come.”

The Edinburgh tram project is Scotland’s second-largest infrastructure project after the Forth Replacement Crossing.

 

 

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