Edinburgh has gone through a fair amount of drama with its tram network over the years. After being recommended in 2001, the trams only started running in 2014. And then another section on Leith Walk only opened in 2023 after four years of construction.
But Edinburgh’s tram expansion plans certainly aren’t over yet. The city’s transport officials have put forward proposals to turn a walking and cycling path in the west of the city into part of a new tram route. As you might expect, locals aren’t too happy about the prospect.
Roseburn Path, a former railway line now surrounded by woodland and greenery, is one of two routes proposed for a new tram line connecting two of Edinburgh’s main hospitals – the Royal Infirmary and Western General.
Residents are concerned about losing one of their most beloved green spaces and active travel routes, away from busy city centre traffic. Nearly 1,000 people have signed an online petition against the plan.
One local told Edinburgh Evening News: ‘It is actually an incredible space, one that I use myself with my family that allows you to get away from the urban environment. That's massively important for mental health as well as active travel.
‘It’s also incredibly important for wildlife and natural trees and plants. Edinburgh should be defending and expanding its green spaces, not taking them away.’
There’s gonna be a 12-week consultation starting in the spring to help councillors come to a decision. Officials will be weighing up the Roseburn route with an alternative route through Orchard Brae. Whatever happens, the new connection is estimated to cost £2 billion and take 11 years to complete.
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