Route for third Edinburgh tram line unveiled
Nicola MearnsA map showing plans for a third tram line for Edinburgh has been unveiled.
The detailed plans show Edinburgh's south suburban railway being used with a new connection to the existing route on Leith Walk.
It has 12 potential new stops including Morningside Road, Newington Hillside and an interchange with the planned north-south tram line at Cameron Toll.
It would mean trams servicing the south of the capital in an expanded network.
More robust "tram-trains" would be used on the rail line because of the higher speeds.
Edinburgh's south suburban railway has been used by freight trains since stations closed on the line 64 years ago.
The map shows stops at:
- Gorgie East for Hearts' Tynecastle football stadium
- Craiglockhart for Edinburgh Napier University's campus
- Morningside Road
- Blackford Hill for Edinburgh University's King's Buildings science campus
- Newington
- Cameron Toll
- Duddingston and Craigmillar
- Fort Kinnaird
- Brunstane
- Portobello
The tram line is expected to branch off the line onto streets at Meadowbank with stops at Abbeyhill and Hibs' Easter Road stadium.
Stephen Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh council's transport and environment convener, said an expanded tram network was needed in the capital.
"Edinburgh is facing significant challenges," he said.
"We are the fastest growing city in Scotland, with over 60,000 new residents expected over the next two decades and growing at twice the rate of Glasgow.
"The Lothians are also the fastest growing region in the country."
He added: "Mass transit is the glue which holds our city and region together, supporting economic development, measures to tackle poverty, and addressing the climate, nature, and housing emergencies.
"I'm clear that a multimodal model incorporating bus, heavy rail, trams and potentially tram trains, supported by active travel and shared mobility, is the right approach for Edinburgh."
