Edinburgh trams: St Andrew Square opens to traffic

Workers add the finishing touches at St Andrew Square. Picture: Esme Allen

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However, the city council warned of further disruption to come when overhead power lines are erected and underground cabling installed along the route.

Officials said track work at Haymarket and Shandwick Place, which has caused major traffic diversions, would be finished this summer.

Work on York Place, at the eastern end of the eight-mile route, is due to be complete along with the rest of construction by the end of the year.

The £776 million line from Edinburgh Airport is expected to open next summer at the latest. That is more than two years later than previous estimates, principally because of a bitter row between the council’s now-scrapped tram firm Tie and its building contractors.

In St Andrew Square, the previous clockwise traffic flow has been reinstated, with access from North St David Street and exit from the south side of the square.

Cold weather over the past two months has delayed some concrete and joint-sealing work.

Motoring groups said drivers must be properly informed of further disruption.

Neil Greig, policy and research director of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “There are still months of roadworks ahead and these are likely to be more mobile and short-lived, which means good information for drivers is going to be  crucial. Anyone who has to drive into central Edinburgh must still expect changes and keep a close eye on signs and markings.”

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce chief executive David Birrell said: “We know our members will appreciate being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know everyone is looking forward to the completion of the project and a return to business as usual.”

Transport convener Lesley Hinds said: “Good progress is now clearly visible across the city centre and the removal of barriers and fences at St Andrew Square will be a welcome sight to traders, residents and visitors to the area.

“This is the first of four major city centre work sites to be completed in 2013, all of which are on course to be finished in line with the revised schedule by the end of the year.”

Ms Hinds said the overhead wires and cabling work would be planned “in a way that limits disruption as much as possible”.