Contractors preparing to begin construction as part of the Trams to Newhaven project will carry out investigation works at various points on the route from later this month.

Ground and site investigation work has been programmed for a number of locations between York Place and Newhaven, starting in Lindsay Road in the week commencing May 20.

Separately - but planned in conjunction with these works - the Council's roads team will shortly be embarking on a major road resurfacing project in a number of streets surrounding the tram route.

The council said the essential pre-enabling works programmed by the tram project's Systems and Infrastructure contractor Sacyr, Farrans, Neopul (SFN) will involve SFN carrying out detailed ground investigation works in 25 separate sites along the route.

READ MORE: Councillors vote to extend Edinburgh tram line to Newhaven

The work will be carried out in sections of approximately 100 metres at a time and is programmed to be completed by mid-July 2019.

The purpose of these ground investigation works is to determine the ground conditions along the length of the new tram route so that the project's final design can be confirmed.

The Herald:

SFN will check the ground conditions and depth of the bedrock along the route, for example to see how deep tram infrastructure foundations need to be, as well as the dimensions of the "slab track" which will be laid under the tram track itself.

Meanwhile, the capital roads scheme works that are due to begin on Abercromby Place on May 27 have been brought forward from 2020 to make sure the road network surrounding the tram construction area is in good condition for when traffic diversions are put in place, the council said.

READ MORE: Full list of streets to be affected by Edinburgh tram and roadworks

The work, part of the Council's investment in roads and footways across the city - £125 million over five years - will include resurfacing the carriageway, pedestrian access and public realm improvements and traffic signal upgrades well as signalising the junction at Easter Road/Lochend Road and Duke Street.

Information about the ground andsite investigation and road resurfacing projects will be communicated to directly-affected residents and businesses in advance of work starting. 

Alejandro Mendoza, SFN project director, said: “These ground investigation works are vital to our early involvement.

"The information we obtain on the ground conditions will allow our design team to develop a robust final design.

"It will also help us inform key elements such as the construction plan and any effects that may have on traffic management arrangements.”

The Herald:

Lesley Macinnes, transport convener, said: “There’s going to be a fair bit of work going on in and around the Leith Walk area over the next few months and we’re keen to make sure people have as much information as possible about what’s happening and why.

"Both projects are aimed at helping the Trams to Newhaven construction phase go as smoothly as possible.

"We'll manage the works extremely closely to minimise noise and disturbance and we would like to thank residents in advance for their understanding while these essential projects are completed.”

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The final business case for the extension revealed the cost could reach £207 million.

The potential hike is £42m more than the previously cited £165m, and includes a contingency fund.