The much-anticipated project to bring trams to the streets of Edinburgh has recently been fraught with difficulties, and work has been on hold since October of last year while.
Contractual differences between Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE), who are delivering the project on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, and the main contractors (a joint venture between Siemens, Bilfinger-Berger and CAF) came to a head and all work ceased.
However, at last it is reported that City of Edinburgh Council, TIE and the consortium members together with Transport Scotland have had a very constructive engagement and have established a mutual understanding of the key issues that have been impeding the progress of the project.
A spokesman said “The parties to the contract are working together to firm up the framework for our future working arrangements and the successful delivery of the project.”
Hopefully work will recommence soon. One tram has already been delivered to Edinburgh, while several more sit at CAF’s Spanish factory waiting for work on their new depot to be completed.
It’s a total farce. I invited our councillors to comment but so far have heard nothing. Please see http://www.scottleckie.com/2011/06/the-edinburgh-tram-project/ for more info.