Edinburgh’s tram project is progressing as planned, as preparations are made for the overhead powerlines to go live from 26 November.

The lines between the tram depot at Gogar Castle Road and Edinburgh Airport will be switched on to allow the Tram System to be tested and commissioned.

This will signal the beginning of test runs between the Tram Depot and the Airport.

Transport Convener Lesley Hinds said: "Testing is a vital part of the development of Edinburgh's tram system to make sure it's safe and reliable for future service. We have been in touch with residents and businesses along the route to make sure they know the tests are taking place and so they have important safety advice.

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"The tram project is progressing well and it's good to see that a long stretch of track is almost complete and that we'll see trams running on it very soon."

These tests mark the final part of the development of 'Section B' of the route. The 2.8km stretch will be handed over to the Council in March.

The news comes as the Council publishes a report of the breakdown of the project’s costs.

The report follows a request for more detailed information at the last council meeting. It is due to be presented to the new Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee today.

The tram project is in keeping with the revised budget, £776m, approved by Council in September 2011.

The work is either ahead of schedule or on time and passenger services are still expected to run by summer 2014.

Full route tram testing is expected from Edinburgh Airport to York Place is expected for late Spring 2014. Another progress report will be presented to Council early in 2013.

(IT)