Community Councils Together on Trams/Trams Team meeting, 8 September 2022

Minutes of the Community Councils Together on Trams/Trams Team meeting on Thursday 8 September 2022 at 5:15pm, at Trams project compound (165 Leith Walk)

Actions and decisions are red italic. ‘TT’ means ‘Trams Team’. Names are mostly abbreviated to initials.

0 Summary of actions

Item Action
3.1 CW to supply information on trees at Elm Row and Tesco
3.1 RA to investigate possibilities for temporary traffic lights to reduce delays to buses in Leith
3.4 TT to pick up issues around pedestrian crossings, pedestrian safety, especially for visually impaired people
3.5 TT to engage with contractor about Brunswick St rat-run
3.6 TT to share Grant Crowther (Lothian Buses)’s contact details with CCTT
3.6 CW to look into how forthcoming congestion issues can be publicised
3.7 CW to share ‘top-line’ details on business health when they are available.
3.8 CW to advise which questions are beign asked about London Rd
4.3.1 TT to share dates and locations of noise/vibration tests
4.3.1 RA to provide schematic of vehicular access from/to Leith Walk side streets (e.g. no left turns) with outcome expectations
4.3.3 CW to send out plan of trees, and their specifications.
4.4 RA to send details behind final location of bus stop by Leith Walk police box

1 Prelims

1.1 Present

Robert Armstrong* TT Jennifer Marlborough* CCTT/LHNCC
Mike Birch* CCTT/NTBCC Sally Millar* CCTT/LLCC
Charlotte Encombe* CCTT/LCCC Michael Motion† TT
Don Giles† CCTT/LLCC Bruce Ryan† CCTT minutes secretary
Rob Leech* TT Harald Tobermann* CCTT/LCCC
Andrew Mackenzie* CCTT /LLCC Chris Wilson* TT/CEC

* = in person; † = via MS teams

1.2 Apologies

None

1.3 Draft minutes of August 2022 meeting

  • No issues were mentioned, so these minutes were published as-is.

1.4 Actions from August meeting (not included on agenda below)

none

2 TT update

2.1 Progress of asset handover to CEC

All points made by RA unless otherwise noted.

  • TT is working on an information tracker. It will present handover documents to the trams board at the end of September. Information will then go to relevant working groups in October.
  • For this purpose, the route is divided into 14 sections. Final completion will break these down into smaller sections for walkover, defect-checking etc. This should take place in February to March 2023, after civil engineering work is complete. However, TT hopes to open some sections earlier than this.
  • MM: it takes 4 weeks to check each section is ready to hand over, but these periods can overlap. For example Pilrig to Balfour and Coatfield to Queen Charlotte are both being checked now. The periods are set by working back from TT’s estimated work-completion dates. There is an internal management process to ensure streets are safe to open up
    • HT: CCTT is concerned that there are insufficient staff to undertake ingestions. This is in part because it took 5 months to receive a list of asset ingestions. Things can go wrong!
    • RA: this is part of ready for operations, not sectional completion
    • MB: G Barwell had said that the number of assets from the tram project is insignificant to the normal number CEC ingests each year, so CCTT need not worry. However, the document received today shows the project involves 3 km of road and 1 km of pavement. However the tram project is bigger than this. Hence CCTT’s concerns.
    • RA: the only potential issue is with the extra assets generated by the project. The road, gullies etc existed before.
    • MB: some of these assets are new or changed.
    • RA: GB has not raised any issues. TT is comfortable with what is happening and is due to happen.
    • MB: experience shows that there are always ‘11th hour’ issues.
    • RL: TT needs to check that GB is correct. The trams project appears to be bigger than average annual ingestion.
    • RA: there are processes to ensure CEC knows about and how to maintain each asset.
  • MB: how many sectional completions are now done, and how many were expected to be complete by now?
    • RA: 2 are now done. Tower St was done last year. 2 more are nearly ready for sectional completion.
    • MM: TT is on target to open streets within the overall project [schedule], but issues with labour and material have delated some individual completions. TT will not open streets with issues, but this does not impact overall completion.
    • RL: TT is doing more simultaneous handovers than expected, but this is manageable.
    • HT: this then puts more pressure on CEC staff
    • RA: TT is engaging with CEC about this.
  • MB: who is responsible for issues (e.g. blocked gullies) after sectional completion/handover?
    • RL: if an issue is a defect, it’s handed back to TT.
    • RL: TT/CEC are working on systems to cover issues in the 2 years after completion.
    • MB: does the public know who to contact about issues, even if they are not tram-related?
    • RA: if issues are raised with CEC, they will be sent over to TT.

2.2 ‘Commitments Register’ related to TTN

  • RL/MM: TT is working on the relevant dashboard now. It will go to the trams board asap.
  • RA: this work is part of ‘ready for operations’. We have not gone into detail yet.
  • RL: it’s an ongoing piece of work. It will include Elm Row and lessons learnt. We can share a draft with CCTT. This should be ready in ~2 months.

2.3 Plans for further tram extension(s)

  • RL: I have been involved in early feasibility discussions but TT knows only as much as CCTT does. CEC plans are fed by many policies, including ‘active travel’, city mobility plan. The section considered so far is from Granton Square to Ocean Terminal.
    • RL: the lessons learned from these meetings, and what has gone well for CCs, will be important. This topic should go on these meetings’ agendas closer to when this project’s trams are running.
    • HT: modal shift is the key validator of trams projects, so should be included in future plans.

3 TT reports and updates

3.1 Latest (August 22) progress dashboard with period lookahead and progress key metrics

  • RA: TT awaits Scottish Power stating when it will remove street lights from Leith Walk.
  • CE: will the Elm Row trees remain? Could they be replaced with bigger trees because the current ones are manky?
    • RA: they will remain. Some trees have been removed so others with thrive.
    • Action: CW to reply to CE in more detail.
  • CE: will trees that were removed from Tesco be replaced?
    • Action: CW to reply to CE in detail.
  • JM: please put temporary traffic signals on Gt Junction St, Henderson St, Commercial St etc to enable buses to emerge. Congestion here is badly delaying buses.
    • RA: there were temporary lights here to help with Scottish Water works. Lothian Buses has not reported any issues.
    • Action: RA to investigate possibilities

3.2 Latest (August 22) H&S metrics

  • RL: tram-stop completion in this document does not include installation of ticket-machines. That is held back as much as possible to reduce opportunities for vandalism.
  • MM: all known utility ‘conflicts’ have been resolved, i.e. all utility/swept-path work is complete but some other small connections are yet to be made. 1200 conflicts had been predicted but 1420 occurred.
  • MM: OLE stringing will start in October-November. This work will be undertaken at night, and will not be noisy.
    • RL: there are two parts to the process: placing fixings on buildings, then installation of cables.
    • MM; York Place to Annandale will be strung in mid-November. The rest of the route will be strung later in November. This enables ‘energising’ of the route by the end of 2022. I can advise exact dates for fixing of individual buildings.
    • Trams will stop at the West End 21 to 25 November to enable making of electrical connections at York Place.

3.3 Latest (1-8-2022) route map with sectional completion dates

There was discussion of the map colours.

3.4 Latest (10-08-22) map showing all current temporary pedestrian crossing points along the route and distances, location of temporary bus stops, and diverted or narrowed (below 1·2m) footpaths

  • RA: Picardy Place crossings are essentially complete.
  • MB: there is a 400 m gap between crossings at Picardy Place and Annandale St. Can this gap be reduced?
    • RA: finishing of Elm Row has been delayed. Other work has been more challenging than expected.
    • HT: this topic should be added to the lessons learned.
    • CE: a blind member of LCCC has stated that walking here is a complete nightmare. He cannot see where crossings are.
    • RL/RA: the walk-time to and from Annandale cannot be reduced, but TT is aware of such problems.
    • AM: there are similar issues in LLCC’s area.
    • HT: CEC should attach a pedestrian champion/wheelchair champion to all such big projects.
    • Action: TT to pick up these issues.

3.4.1 Separate map or annotation to 3.4 showing any planned changes (one month ahead)

No discussion

3.5 Map or list (2-9-22) of general traffic management measures (locations and brief description, dates) agreed and coming into force in the coming 5 weeks: road traffic diversions and lane closures, bus route diversions

  • RA: there are final surfacing works from Broughton to Annandale. TT is considering appropriate measures. More vehicles than originally expected are using a relevant left-turn.
    • CE: many cars are turning left into Albert St. There is complete gridlock on Pilrig St as people try to circumnavigate.
    • SM: Brunswick St is a rat-run. It should not be the main turn off Leith Walk. It needs more than just signage.
    • RL: TT understands this and will speak with the contractor.
    • RA: Manderston St and others will soon open to such turns, which should reduce such issues. Albert St works are not part of the trams project. The Kirkgate junction should open soon, then Manderston St will no longer be a diversion.
    • RA: Brunswick Rd will remain as-is (i.e. 1-way).
    • RA: Queen Charlotte St to Baltic St will open soon. Traffic lights will then be part of CEC’s system.

3.6 Latest (dated) map showing general traffic management arrangements to accommodate site investigations works and utility diversions outside the main area of TTN works

  • RA: 3 new ducts will soon be installed in Antigua St. This work will take 3 days, but contingency time will be included. Buses will be diverted via St Andrews Square, Princes St, Leith St or via Broughton St and East London St. Other diversion routes are being considered/devised. However, TT does not (yet) have a documented plan, despite the works potentially starting in ~2 weeks.
    • RA: the relevant Lothian Buses contacts are Gavin Crowther and Grant Rutherford.
    • RA: other traffic will be diverted via Broughton St, East London St, Annandale St.
    • Action: TT to share GC’s contact details with CCTT
    • RA: work will not be done at night because that would increase the overall working period.
  • JM: please ensure bus stops show where buses are being diverted to. Diversion cause bus apps to crash.
    • CCTT: please publicise that there will be problems. Some businesses will be seriously affected.
    • Action: CW to look into how this can be done, taking into account that people have short memories.
  • MB: there are issues with bus lanes not being serviced, e.g on Union St.
  • SM: there is much concern about the lack of left turn from Elm Row onto London Rd. When will this change?
    • RL: when left turns can be made elsewhere. There were only 3 objections to this in the TRO process.
    • MB: one of these was from NTBCC, representing the whole community, yet it was treated as a single individual’s objection. NTBCC raised substantive concerns because it will increase traffic levels going up to and around Picardy Place. TT had said that modelling showed this would not be problematic but has never shown CCTT such modelling. Without this, CCTT can only assume that problems are being moved, not solved.
    • CW: major junctions were reviewed after a fatality in Portobello. This work is about getting pedestrians and cyclists safely through this junction.
  • MM: Queen Charlotte St junction will reopen on 30 September. How will this affect traffic in the area?
    • RA: buses will go via Queen Charlotte St, turn right onto Constitution St, then access Baltic St, as of 11 September.
    • There was discussion of difficulties obtaining information from Lothian Buses.

3.7 Ongoing metrics regarding ‘business health’

  • CW: data should arrive this month. I will share top-line details when possible.

3.8 Latest (August 22) comms dashboard (Stakeholder & Communications) and latest (August 2022) geographical breakdown of comms

  • CW: the highest numbers of communications from the public are about Brunswick St, Elm Row, pavement-parking on Picardy Place, the Pilrig Clock, London Rd. These have increased the numbers of communications about the south section.
    • MB: please advise which questions are being asked about London Rd.
    • Action: CW to look into this.
    • RA: there have been enquiries about Scottish Water emergency works at Croal Place, closure of Brunswick St left-turn, the train strikes. The latter combined with other issues to create a ‘perfect storm’.
  • MB/SM: there are issues with coaches parking on London Rd and Baxter’s Place.
  • CW: TT produced a detailed briefing to CEC councillors about the contentious newspaper article discussed in August.
  • CW: Businesses are reporting cost-of-living issues.

3.9 Call centre stats and Support for Business update

No discussion

3.10 Summary of the most recent Tram Project Board meeting on a confidential basis

No summary: this month’s board meeting is next week.

3.11 Summary of TT meetings with Active Travel and business groups

  • RA: I’ve had catch-ups with Spokes, but there is nothing to report.

4 Queries and issues identified by CCTT

4.1 Request to organise (in sections) a walk-and-talk of the route with key tram team personnel and a community ‘delegation’, to get a sense of where we’re really at – on the ground.

  • AM: it would be reassuring to get a full sense of progress. Is TT undertaking regular walkabouts?
    • HT: I have done two: they have revealed issues.
    • RL: I suggest that CCTT examines defects dashboards, and then meets on-site with TT.
    • AM: Foot of the Walk to Baltic St/Bernard St is near completion, so can this be the starter walkabout? For example, I saw a kerb being incorrectly installed when I was walking in this area.

4.2 LHNCC

  • JM: tour-buses are getting stuck at Rennie’s Isle, despite new signage.
    • CW: we have put in signage, and have received no new enquiries.

4.3 LLCC

4.3.1 Please advise about

  • vibration monitoring: what to expect, for those living in properties along the line.
    • RL: noise and vibration policy requires testing during tram-testing and commissioning, then testing when trams are operating. This is part of the contract with SFN, which is absolutely required to comply with standards.
    • CW/MM: Edinburgh tram will test annually. Locations of tests are yet to be agreed. Edinburgh Tram may not use the same locations as TT
    • Action: TT to share test locations and dates.
  • vehicular access from/to Leith Walk side streets (e.g. no left turns) with outcome expectations
    • Action: RA to provide schematic showing directions

4.3.2 Update on South Leith Parish Church wall

  • AM: are parts of this wall being reworked?
    • RL: there are no structural concerns but there may be problems with the existing render, so TT is investigating.

4.3.3 Intentions for the cherry blossom tree by St Mary’s Star of the Sea

  • CL/AM: planting of more trees is welcome, but these appear to have been planted oddly.
    • CW: CEC experts have said that the tree species are appropriate. I am trying to find locations for 7 more trees.
    • Action: CW to send out plan of trees, and their specifications.

4.4 LCCC

  • CE: what is the final decision on the bus stop behind Leith Walk police box?
    • RA: it will be as it was.
    • Action: RA to send details of the reasons behind this decision

4.5 NTBCC

  • MB: there is much uncertainty about how Picardy Place will end up. I understand that TT will undertake this work, and that Turner Townsend is undertaking design and engagement.
    • RL: this is not part of the trams project, but TT has offered to facilitate Atkins undertaking options work. The work relies on stakeholders agreeing what is wanted. TT has stated the deadline for these details.
    • RA: NTBCC should engage with Chris McGarvie and Daisy Narayanan about this. The critical date is the beginning of October.

5 AOB

  • It was announced that the UK’s queen[a] died this afternoon.

6 Date(s) of next meeting(s) and guests

13 October 2022

[a] Also head of state in Canada, Australia, New Zealand/Aotearoa, The Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis (according to Wikipedia)