Trams to Newhaven Issues Resolution February 2026

At the Transport and Environment Committee in December 2024, it was agreed officers would address the deputation questions raised by Community Council Together on Trams (CCTT) .

Following a meeting with CCTT a comprehensive review of the route was undertaken with a view to identifying contractual defects and to address concerns raised by residents, businesses, stakeholder and elected members.

In conjunction with CCTT, the issues identified were allocated three different categories:

• Red (high): Key issues that are critical to the project's functionality and compliance. Examples of these types of issues are collapsed chambers, incomplete or damaged infrastructure including hard and soft landscaping. All of these will be completed by 31 March 2026. 
• Amber (medium): Minor issues, incomplete work, or items not meeting specifications. These are to be rectified by 30 June 2027 by the Council’s Road’s Team.
• Green (low): Issues that are minor and can be included as part of the Council’s ongoing maintenance and repair programme.

In total 866 issues were identified, 155 as red (high), 374 as amber (medium) and 337 as green (low)

View this information shown as a graph. 

As of the 28 February 2026, a total of 121 issues had been rectified - 90 red (high), 23 amber (medium) and 8 green (low). The reason works on the amber and green issues were undertaken were their proximity to red issues that were being addressed. Work on a further 41 issues is in progress. The aim remains to have all outstanding red issues completed by 31 March 2026. 

View this information shown as a graph.    

Works during March 2026 will include: 

• Concentrating on high priority red issues including collapsed utility chambers on the carriageway and damaged tram track bed.
• Conducting quality assurance inspections post-repair to confirm compliance with technical standards.
• Finalising landscaping at locations along the route.
• The installation of bollards at Elm Row and the stopping up of the old cycleway closest to the carriageway. 

Works from April - June 2026 will include: 

• Addressing remaining amber (medium) issues
• Preparing for scheduled maintenance operations, including regular inspections and repairs

The next issues update will be published at the end of March 2026.