Trams to Newhaven Issues Resolution Update October 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 2027. 
• 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)

A review of the list identified a small number of duplications. As a result the total number of issues was revised to 857, 150 as red (high), 370 as amber (medium), and 336 and green (low).

View this list in graph format (JPEG).

As of the 30 October 2026, a total of 364 issues had been rectified - 133 red (high), 223 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 146 issues are in progress and there remains 5 outstanding red items which we will be working to get resolved as soon as possible. 

View this breakdown in graph format (JPEG). 

Further information

Please note that, following changes to Light Rail Safety and Standards Board guidance/legislation, the five non-motorised user crossings on Leith Walk were no longer compliant and that due to constraints the necessary make the necessary changes to make them compliant could not be undertaken. A contractor has been appointed and to date three have been removed with the remaining two crossings scheduled for removal during November 2026. 

The next update will be issued mid-December 2026.