Trams to Newhaven Issues Resolution Update April 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)

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As of the 20 March 2026, a total of 157 issues had been rectified - 114 red (high), 35 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. Works on a further 26 issues are in progress and there remains 11 outstanding red items which we will be working to get resolved as soon as possible. Please note, due to an embargo on works in the city centre as a result of works on North Bridge, four of the red issues will need to be postponed until September 2026. 

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Further information

Chamber /Surfacing Repairs  Programme:

• Surfacing squad started2ndApril for 1-2 weeks to carry out final repairs and capture a number ofred surfacing failures (not chambers)
• Duebackfor final nightshift starting Sunday 3rdMay for 2 weeks
• Two items likely need to be carried out in September due to traffic management arrangements and festival embargo.

Landscaping at Ocean Terminal:

• Works completed along Ocean Drive
• Further landscaping areas to follow incoming weeks as part of rolling programme

Remaining Red Items:

• As of 24th April 11 red items remain open:
• 3 require further works 
• 1 is to be scheduled in with street lighting contractor
• 4 cannot be undertaken until September
• 3 are part of ongoing landscaping works and will be completed in the coming weeks
• A further 26 are in progress and due to be completed in the coming weeks