Diversion work ads reveal scale of delays

Published on Tuesday 16 June 2009 09:49

TRAM chiefs are advertising for contractors to take on utility diversion works in Leith which should have been completed last year, it emerged today.

TIE is seeking construction firms to carry out 6,000 metres of utility diversion works within the Forth Ports estate. The move follows previous adverts looking for companies to tender bids to carry out utility diversions at Edinburgh Airport.

It is understood TIE is looking for a new construction company to take over from Carillion, which is employed elsewhere on the 512 million route.

Last month, it emerged some utility works were still only 70 per cent complete, with work between Newhaven and Leith Walk at 39 per cent.

Newspaper adverts reveal the utility works at the Forth Ports estate are not expected to be completed until October, contradicting claims made by TIE that the first phase of the tram project would be finished by the summer. TIE said the utility works in Leith were being advertised to allow Carillion to finish utility diversion work.