Crewe Toll Roundabout resurfacing to start on Monday

TRAFFIC DISRUPTION LIKELY FOR TWELVE WEEKS

‼️ MAJOR WORKS TO CREWE TOLL ROUNDABOUT ⚠️

Local Lib Dem councillors report: We’ve been alerted to major works to resurface the Crewe Toll roundabout and upgrade the pedestrian crossings.

The project will start on Monday 17th August and last for approximately 12 weeks.

The works will be completed via overnight shifts (between 7.30pm and 6.30am) but will require temporary closures of Crewe Road South, Crewe Road North, or the Ferry Road West approach.

Only one of these approaches will be closed at any one time.

Phase 1 will start with the closure of Crewe Road South at its junction with the Crewe Toll Roundabout. During these temporary road closures, traffic on the remaining four approaches will be managed via temporary traffic lights.

A signed diversion route will be in place for each of the closed approaches.

Historic features survive Princes Street fire

WORK EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST THREE MORE WEEKS

Work is expected to continue on site for at least three weeks, during which time this section of Princes Street will remain closed.

Securing the front façade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building’s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.

Steelwork is being installed to reinforce the façade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks’ time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.

Good progress has been made on the eastern end of the building, and it is hoped the cordon on Princes Street will be reduced later this week, allowing Boots to re-open over the weekend.

It has also emerged that the original Victorian staircase and the stained-glass windows memorial to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, at 111-112 Princes Street, have survived relatively unscathed.

These two key features from the 1880’s will now be examined to assess if any further work is required.

Trams will continue running from the Airport and terminating at West End (Shandwick Place stop), with buses being diverted via George Street.

Check our dedicated webpage for detailed information and travel advice.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:Whilst I understand how concerning this news will be to everyone, I want to reiterate that we’re doing everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“The complexity of the remedial work cannot be overstated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.

“I’m acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city each and every day, and I’ll repeat my thanks to the public for their continued patience during this incredibly difficult time. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as we enter the August festival season.

“We’re continuing to work alongside our partners, particularly Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses, to keep Edinburgh moving.

“A part-tram service and full bus services continue citywide, but please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journey. We’ve also increased the number of Voi e-bike parking locations and hires available across the city, helping people to get around easier.

It’s positive that the cordon is being reduced, and the fact that these key historical features of the site have survived is a rare silver lining in this terrible event.

“From tram and bus drivers working overtime to the engineers on site, Council colleagues and many more, I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the response so far.

“Despite these trying circumstances I’ve no doubt we can all enjoy a fantastic summer here in the world’s cultural capital.”

The recent fire on Princes Street has had a significant impact on our city.

@on_lothianbuses and @EdinburghTrams‘ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, thanks our colleagues and customers for their support during this challenging time.

Read his full statement below:

Corstorphine Road: Draining the Rain

ROAD REDUCED TO SINGLE LANE FOR SEVEN MONTHS

Drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May between 4pm and 7pm

SCOTTISH Water will be starting a major project as part of our #drainingtherain Improving Urban Waters programme on Corstorphine Road #Edinburgh next month.

Come along to an information event on 8 May to find out more.

Details below:

Project Overview

We are installing new screens and spill chambers to a storm overflow under Corstorphine Road to help prevent sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith.

Work is due to get underway at the beginning of June 2025 for approximately seven months.

During delivery, Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens.

Community Engagement

We are holding a drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May 2025 between 4pm and 7pm.

Members of the project team will be available to explain more about the work involved and take on board any concerns or questions from the community.

What We Are Doing

New screens and spill chambers are being installed to our storm overflow underneath Corstorphine Road at Ormidale Terrace.

The existing spill pipe and outfall will be retained.

When excess rainwater is discharged, the new screens will ensure any sewer related debris does not end up in the Water of Leith.

Why We Are Doing It

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

www.scottishwater.co.uk/corstorphineroad

Temporary lights in Lanark Road as second phase of Craiglockhart gas network upgrades begins

Gas distribution network SGN is continuing its gas network upgrade project in the Lanark Road and Craiglockhart areas of Edinburgh.

Engineers are replacing old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipes. This essential work will ensure homes and businesses in the local area continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

From tomorrow (Monday 21 October), SGN will begin its second phase of the project by installing temporary three way traffic lights at Lanark Road’s junction with Craiglockhart Avenue. The lights will be manually controlled during peak times to help traffic flow.

This phase is expected to last approximately three weeks and cause significant disruption to traffic. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow more time for journeys, especially during peak travel times.

SGN Project Manager Craig Brown said: “This particular location has experienced multiple gas leaks in recent years and by upgrading our pipes now, we can prevent future emergency work which will lead to more disruption overall.

“We’d like to thank local residents, businesses and motorists for your ongoing patience and support during this critical work.”

Warning: Telford traffic misery to continue for a while yet

Telford Road

🚦

TWO-way temporary traffic lights at the top of Groathill Avenue from 7am on Tuesday 24 September for ongoing power cable renewal works – expected until 11 October.

Closures on Groathill Avenue and Groathill Road South remain in place for a few more weeks.

#edintravel

Disruption expected as major works on the A8 commence this month

Roadworks (Getty)

The city council is to repair the road surfaces and drainage on the A8 at Glasgow Road and the Ingliston interchange to improve driving conditions and enhance road safety.

Work will start on Monday 16 September and is expected to finish in March 2025.

Each phase of work will be split into two parts:

  • Drainage improvement work. This will take place between Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am – 3.30pm.
  • Road resurfacing work. This will take place overnight between Mondays and Fridays from 7.30pm – 6.30am.

Phase 1: 16 September 2024 – 25 October 2024
A8 Eastbound – from Ingliston Interchange North West slip-road To Gogar Roundabout.

Phase 2: 28 October 2024 – 15 November 2024
Glasgow Road – From Gogar Roundabout to Maybury Road.

Phase 3: 18 November 2024 – 29 November 2024
Ingliston Interchange North East slip road.

Phase 4: 6 January 2025 – March 2025
Ingliston Interchange dumbbells and remaining slip roads.

Work will temporarily stop between 30 November and 5 January to minimise disruption during the busy festive period.

Full details are available on the council website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:We’re committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and making sure our roads are properly maintained and serviced. This is why we’re carrying out this major work on the A8 through the autumn and into the New Year.

“Whilst there may be some disruption whilst work is ongoing, this is a key arterial road and it’s essential that we make these repairs.

“I’d like to thank all road users for their patience during this time.

“I’m also conscious that this was one of the key issues raised by our residents in the recent Budget Engagement Consultation. We’re listening and fixing the roads.”

More traffic disruption in Craigleith

SCOTTISH Water has announced that From Monday 15th July, Craigleith Hill Avenue will be temporarily closed to facilitate the replacement of a section of water pipe. This essential work is expected to last approximately 7 weeks:

We are planning a temporary road closure on Craigleith Hill Avenue from Monday 15th July to replace a section of water pipe.

The works are expected to last for approximately 7 weeks, during which Craigleith Hill Avenue and Carrington Road will be closed at the junction with Crewe Road South, with no through traffic permitted. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and emergency vehicles only.

Crewe Road South will remain open with two-way temporary traffic lights in place for the duration of the work.  

Parking restrictions will be in place at the bottom of Craigleith Hill Crescent near the junction of the B900 Craigleith Road, to help with traffic flow through the diversion route.

The work will involve replacing a section of water pipe to ensure customers continue to enjoy fresh, clear drinking water. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during these improvements, and we are committed to minimising disruption. 

Our contractor MacKenzie will carry out these works on our behalf.

Temporary closure for section of West Approach Road from tomorrow

A temporary closure will be in place for a section of the West Approach Road in Edinburgh from Monday for the next five weeks as part of planned maintenance work.

This includes repainting, general repairs and resurfacing the bridge decks.

This will affect the two-lane section between Roseburn Street and the Dundee Street flyover only. The road from Dundee Street to Lothian Road will remain open.

The section will be closed from Monday 6 May until Friday 7 June due to upgrade works being carried out on four bridges along the route. Diversions will be in place.

Transport Convener Councillor Scott Arthur said: “We realise this road closure may cause some inconvenience but it’s needed so we can carry out maintenance work to four bridges along the route.

“We’ve taken steps to minimise disruption by putting in place diversion routes, carried out a letter drop to residents to tell them of the changes and are putting in place measures to control the noise.”

The work is being carried out from next week due to restrictions on gaining access to the railway, other roadworks in the area and our embargo on roadworks from late July through to early September.

SGN gas mains upgrade work on Glasgow Road begins on Tuesday

Gas network company SGN will shortly begin work to replace the old metal gas mains on Glasgow Road with new plastic pipes. This work is essential to ensuring the local community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

As part of a wider project in the West Craigs area, work on Glasgow Road will begin on Tuesday 2 April and should be completed in around two weeks.

Lane closures will be in place on Glasgow Road west bound, and Maybury Road south bound, both at the Maybury Junction.

This is a busy route and motorists are being urged to allow more time for their journeys and plan ahead, particularly during peak travel times. 

The work will progress as quickly and safely as possible and all efforts to reduce disruption are being made, including the work being undertaken within the Easter break.

SGN manages the network which distributes natural and green gas to approximately six million homes and businesses across Scotland and southern England. Our pipes deliver gas safely, reliably and efficiently to each of these customers.

We perform an essential 24/7 service to keep everyone in our communities safe and warm. If anyone smells gas indoors or outside, they should dial the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999* and an engineer will visit that location to carry out the required checks.

We’re committed to caring for our customers, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, working with specialist organisations on initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society and improving the lives of the people in our communities.

Alongside the UK and Scottish Governments and the other gas distribution networks, we’re developing the world’s first zero-carbon gas grid and shaping a net zero future for the UK.

*Calls are free and lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These calls are recorded and may be monitored

UCI Cycling Men’s Elite Road Race: Road closures announced

SUNDAY 6th AUGUST

The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”

The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.

Route

Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.

They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.

Road closures

These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:

  • Queens Drive
  • Horse Wynd
  • Dukes Walk

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:

  • Canongate
  • New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:

  • High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)

These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:  

  • High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)

The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
  • Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)  

The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
  • Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
  • Bank Street
  • North Bank Street
  • The Mound
  • Hanover Street
  • Queen Street Gardens East
  • Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
  • Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
  • South-East Circus Place
  • Circus Place 
  • North-West Circus Place

These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:

  • Kerr Street 
  • Deanhaugh Street
  • Raeburn Place
  • Comely Bank Road
  • Craigleith Road

These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
  • Hillhouse Road

These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)

These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:

  • Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).

Vehicle crossing points on closed roads

On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.

  • St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
  • Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
  • Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
  • East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
  • Whitehouse Road – Maybury Road A90 Queensferry Road 9:45am to 9:55am

Please note that these planned restrictions and closures may be subject to change.

You can find more information, on the event website 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. I

f you have any questions, please email events@edinburgh.gov.uk