Tram testing is to begin between Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Station, Edinburgh City Council has said.

The testing will commence on Tuesday 8 October.

As part of the process, which will continue until the service is operational, trams will cross the road at two locations, Lochside Avenue and South Gyle Broadway.

Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will be in operation and the normal rules of the road will apply.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, the city's Transport Convener, said: "This is another significant step in the tram project and moves us closer towards completion. It will take some time for people to get used to seeing trams running on street and both pedestrians and drivers will need to take extra care while everyone becomes familiar with them.

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"I've seen firsthand in Dublin how trams interact with traffic and as progress continues to be made along the route, it'll be important that people are aware of the differences.

"The target for service launch is now May 2014 but we'll bring this forward if we can. However, it's important to recognise the significance of this testing, commissioning and driver training programme. There is much to be done and it's vital that all the appropriate tests and checks are made."

The testing phase between the Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Station will eventually see in excess of 150 tram test journeys along the line each day, five days a week.

This will be a gradual build up in tram movements over a period of time which will allow everyone to get used to the new arrangements.

The project remains in line with the revised budget of £776m, as approved by the council in September 2011, with work either ahead of schedule, or in line with the revised timescale reported in December 2011.

The Council's project team has forecast that the service will be up and running for passengers by May 2014, two months earlier than the original summer 2014 target.

(JP/CD)