West end of Edinburgh reopens to traffic as tram work nears end The west end of Edinburgh is to reopen to traffic on Saturday for the first time in years as tram work nears completion. The return of traffic to Shandwick Place marks the final phase of the reopening of the area following work on the tram line. The reopening of the Manor Place to Shandwick Place stretch of the road also signals the end of tram works in the city centre. Following the return of traffic, there will be more work to bring the road network back to how it was before the tram work started, as well as preparations for the actual running of the trams. Councillor Lesley Hinds, the city's transport convener, said: "With the tram project now nearing completion, the city centre is beginning to take shape and we can look forward to next year when passenger services will begin. We know it's been very difficult for people living and working in areas affected by the tram works and it will be a big relief that the majority of disruptive works in the city centre are now over. Now is the time to look forward to the opportunities ahead and to embrace the benefits that a modern, integrated transport system, incorporating all transport options, can bring to our city. Trams are scheduled to start running in May 2014. Route testing has begun between Gogar depot and Edinburgh Park Stations, with more tests planned to start in December. The council said the project remains in line with the revised budget of £776m approved by the council in September 2011. Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "We cannot forget the disruption that those living and working in the West End have had to endure for too many years, but we can welcome this step forward in a tram project which is gathering pace." The council has set out plans to create a new organisation, Transport for Edinburgh, to integrate transport services in Scotland's capital. Transport for Edinburgh will be set up initially to integrate the tram and bus services, with Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams confirmed as the operators.