Tag: transport

Have your say on the future of West Edinburgh

People living in and interested in the future of the west of Edinburgh can take part in THREE public consultations just launched.

The city council is asking residents as well as those working and visiting the area how they think it could grow sustainably for future communities to be better connected, cleaner, greener and fairer for all.

Over the next few months there will be an opportunity to comment on three separate but linked key proposal documents:

Available to view together, these proposals could substantially develop the experience of living and moving around communities in the west of Edinburgh, helping the Capital to shape future planning policy and become a net zero city.

Towards West Edinburgh 2050 proposes how we could develop the area over the next 30 years. At this stage there are no detailed proposals but instead an overarching vision to be used as a starting point for discussion.

This has been informed by the city’s current City Plan 2030 (used to guide physical development and planning applications) and City Mobility Plan (for transport infrastructure) and, as the document develops, it will be used to evolve these plans over time.

The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan is a consultation on development to the north of Gogarburn, extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.

There are a range of new opportunities for housing in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create a new 20 minute neighbourhood with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres.

Feedback on this document will be used to finalise a masterplan for this area which will go to the Planning Committee later this year for approval. The masterplan will then guide future planning applications.

Travel connections for those living, working and visiting west Edinburgh need to be improved, and to support future growth the Capital’s local authority is working with West Lothian Council to look at public transport and active travel links in the area along the A8/A89 between Broxburn to Maybury.

Known as Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements this is a major transport improvement project. The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make more journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The west of the city is an area of strategic importance locally, regionally and within Scotland and beyond.

“It has three waterways, major rail and tram routes running through it and is home to the city’s busy airport which has more than 11m passengers passing through it every year. Leisure plays a big part in the community too.

“Every year the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston hosts many prestigious international and national concerts, conferences, and other events. There are also several major educational establishments serving students locally and from all over the world. This all makes it a popular place to live, work and study and we need to take action to respond to the opportunities and challenges this presents.

“We’re looking to create a new neighbourhood to the north of Gogarburn and so we’ve produced a proposed masterplan with a range of new opportunities for much needed affordable housing.

“We’re also using 20 minute neighbourhood principles as in the rest of the city to make sure future residents live well locally with schools, healthcare and leisure facilities nearby. Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh this new community needs to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.

“It’s an exciting time for the west of Edinburgh and I’d encourage you all to give us your views, whether that is online or at one of the drop in events we’ll be promoting in the coming months.”

Consultation-Draft-West-Edinburgh-Placemaking-Framework-and-Strategic-MasterplanDownload

To take part in these consultations, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/westedinburgh2050.

New parking controls in Leith and Pilrig from next Monday

From Monday (26 June) new controlled parking zones will become operational in some streets in Leith, meaning you’ll need a permit or pay and display ticket to park.

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith)

Zones N7 (Leith Walk / Pilrig) and N8 (Leith and North Leith) will be operational from 26 June 2023. Parking permits will be available for sale from 5 June.

The new controls will mean that, during the controlled hours Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, all parking is controlled. During those hours all kerbside space will be managed by yellow lines or parking places. Some restrictions such as double yellow lines and some parking places llike disabled bays and car club bays operate 24 hours a day.

Most parking places will be a mix of permit holder only, shared use which can be used by permit holders and visitors paying to park and pay and display bays, with signage situated at each parking place confirming the restrictions that apply.

Pay and display

The parking charge for pay and display parking in Zones 7 and 8 will be £3.10 per hour.

The signage at the pay and display and shared use parking places will indicate the maximum stay period for paying customers.

Maximum stay periods do not apply to resident permit holders in shared parking places and the relevant RingGo parking code for that location.

Payment for parking can be made using the available pay and display ticket machines, or through the RingGo cashless parking service.

Please note that the new pay and display ticket machines will only accept contactless payments and will not be able to accept cash.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “New controlled Parking Zones which will soon become operational in some streets in Leith have been designed to protect residents’ parking.

“Controls aim to address issues like commuter parking, which people across the city have told us is a problem in their neighbourhoods.

“We’ve been writing to residents and businesses to keep them up to date on when the changes but I would also encourage anyone who lives in or visits the area to visit our website to find out more about the changes and to purchase a permit, if they need one.

“As part of our Strategic Parking Review officers have spent a great deal of time speaking to residents and gathering information on each area. Once in place, they’ll also be monitoring the impact of the changes to make sure they work for everyone.

“Parking controls don’t only help to maintain priority for residents, but protect against vehicle dominance, encouraging alternative modes of transport, while improving the safety and efficiency of the city’s streets.”

Find out more > https://edinburgh.gov.uk/parking/strategic-parking-review-1/4

Find out more about all of the parking restrictions that apply across Edinburgh.

One Year to Go: Capital counts down to LEZ introduction

As Glasgow introduces Scotland’s first LEZ today, Edinburgh is counting down to the introduction of our own Low Emission Zone, which will restrict the most polluting vehicles from driving in the city centre, benefiting everyone’s health.

The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have joined together to highlight the positive impact clean air can have on health and wellbeing.

Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.

While Edinburgh is moving closer to consistently meeting the minimum air quality standard set by the Scottish Government, it has some way to go before it meets the World Health Organisation’s targets.

Reducing air pollution is especially important for those most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, including children, older people and those with underlying health conditions.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As Glasgow begins to enforce its LEZ, and with one year to go until our own LEZ comes into force, it’s a chance to reflect on the reasons for introducing an LEZ in Edinburgh.

“Research has shown that air pollution negatively affects everyone’s health and we have a responsibility to address this. In two weeks, we’ll mark Clean Air Day, which this year focuses on the fact that poor air quality not only affects our physical health, but our mental health too.

“By restricting the most polluting vehicles in the city centre the LEZ will create a healthier, more welcoming place to be – and we’re expecting benefits to spread across the wider city. I’m encouraged by the fact that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, and I’d like to thank people making the switch to cleaner modes of transport.

“However, there’s still work to be done, and over the next year we’ll be supporting even more people to consider greener, more sustainable ways to travel. I want to use the extra year Edinburgh has to get ready for this change, and ensure residents and businesses are fully prepared.”

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The links between transport and health are clear and the LEZ will help to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for the people of Edinburgh.

“Tackling air quality, alongside commitments in the City Mobility Plan and associated draft Action Plans, will have multiple benefits. Health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of reduced levels of air and noise pollution; improved road safety; more inclusive opportunities for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport; and the increased vibrancy of local communities and economies.”

Earlier this year, data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years. Compliance is particularly high amongst buses (97% – Lothian Buses is 100% compliant), petrol cars (95%) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (86%).

However, more than half of diesel cars and a third of light goods vehicles (including vans) travelling on the main routes into Edinburgh don’t comply with the requirements of the LEZ.

A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no penalty charges will be issued during this time. 

LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

A consultation is currently underway on suite of action plans designed to support the delivery of the City Mobility Plan to 2030, addressing everything from air quality to road safety, public transport to active travel. 

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the start of Glasgow’s low emission zone.

Gracie Bradley, director at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The beginning of Glasgow’s low emission zone is a moment to celebrate real progress in the city. Glasgow has persistent air pollution problems caused by transport, and people who live and work here have been breathing toxic air for many years. Finally, after years of promises, the council is taking action.

“We know that low emission zones work because they’ve been successful in hundreds of places across Europe. Glasgow’s zone has already had a positive impact since it began restricting the most polluting buses, but there is no safe level of air pollution.

“Changing the way we get around the city needs to remain a priority – we want to see better public transport, the end of developments that require cars, and safer cycling routes to tackle toxic air, reduce our impact on the planet and make Glasgow a better place to live.”

Find out more about the LEZ. 

Clean Air Day takes place on 15 June.

Traffic Wardens on the buses!

Parking attendants ride city buses to target inconsiderate drivers

A trial to crack down on drivers parking in bus lanes will see parking attendants riding Lothian Buses services to target city hotspots.

From tomorrow (Tuesday 9 May) parking attendants will begin travelling on specially selected routes, which experience issues with vehicles blocking bus lanes.

Attendants will be able to disembark buses to move on or issue parking tickets to any drivers breaking the rules and board the next bus on the same route.

The initiative, being carried out in partnership with Lothian Buses, aims to improve bus reliability and journey times by reducing disruption to services caused by incorrectly parked vehicles. In turn this will support and encourage sustainable, low carbon travel by public transport.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We already have an excellent bus service in Edinburgh, relied on by many, and our bus lanes are really important to making sure services can run smoothly and on time, especially during peak hours.

“This trial, in partnership with Lothian Buses, will let parking attendants target hotspots in real time, where drivers continue to park inconsiderately. We’ll continue monitoring its effectiveness to make sure we’re focusing on the right areas.

“Encouraging and supporting travel by sustainable, reliable public transport is crucial to our net zero 2030 aspirations, as well as helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and provide accessible transport for everyone.”

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director, Lothian Buses, said: “Lothian is committed to providing a safe, reliable and trusted service across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“As we look to encourage the use of public transport in support of the Scottish Government and The City of Edinburgh Council’s wider environmental goals, it is important that we work with partners across the city on effective ways to ensure bus priority measures are followed which will enhance our ability to provide a consistently reliable standard of service for our customers.”

Find out more about bus lanes in Edinburgh.

One month until Glasgow breathes clean air

As Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone is due to start in a month’s time (1 June), campaigners and air pollution experts are highlighting how the city’s residents can look forward to breathing less toxic air.

The Low Emission Zone will restrict the most polluting vehicles, with drivers receiving a fine – similar to a parking or speeding fine – if a non-compliant vehicle enters the zone.

Glasgow has been slowly restricting more and more of the most polluting buses over the last few years, and this has already brought some big improvements to air quality in the city. Restrictions on cars and other vehicle types will begin on 1 June, which will bring the pollution levels down further.

Air pollution cuts short over 2,500 lives in Scotland each year and puts the population at risk of serious health conditions, like asthma, heart attacks, and strokes. It’s especially harmful to children, the elderly, and people living in poverty or made vulnerable from other health conditions.

Glasgow has higher rates of hospitalisation than the rest of the country for both children and adults with asthma, and people with COPD. Meanwhile it has the lowest level of car ownership, with only 31% of lower-income households having a car.

Gavin Thomson, Transport Campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Glasgow has been breathing toxic, illegal fumes for years and that’s finally coming to an end. From June 1st, anyone in Glasgow’s city centre can breathe easier due to the Low Emission Zone which restricts the most polluting vehicles.

“We know that LEZs work because they’re in place across Europe, and Glasgow’s zone has already had a positive impact. We know the LEZ has a lot of support, as people are worried about the impact of air pollution on their health. And we also know that the zone will help the city address climate change, as we move to more sustainable modes of travel.

“With the Avenues project, which will introduce bike lanes, benches and street trees across the city, the changes to George Square and now the Low Emission Zone, Glasgow is changing. The city is becoming greener and healthier, and leading the way for Scotland’s cities.”

Gareth Brown, Chair of Healthy Air Scotland and Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “Air pollution can cause new lung conditions like lung cancer and worsening existing ones. With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD – in their lifetime, for them, it can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and exacerbations.

“Communities want bold action on toxic air and for governments to help them protect their health and their families. No one wants to see their loved one fight for breath just because the air they breathe is toxic.

“We need to make tackling air pollution a national priority. Low Emission Zones are just the start. We all need to think about how we live, how we work and how we travel. We need to incentivise the behavioural change needed to create a world of clean air and healthy lungs.”

Leanne McGuire, chairperson of Glasgow City Parents Group, said: “As parents, we are always concerned about any risks to our children’s health, and that includes air pollution.

“The introduction of the Low Emission Zones in Glasgow means that whether our children are walking or cycling to school, or enjoying a family day out in the city, we can feel more confident in the reduced levels of pollution they are exposed to.

“There are a number of schools in the city centre adjacent to a busy road. The LEZ will reduce the health risks to those schools, improving air quality, and creating a positive impact on pupils’ health.”

Dr Ruaraidh Dobson, Senior Research Analyst and air quality lead at Trilateral Research, said: “Glasgow has high levels of traffic pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide. Low emission zones play a key role in changing that – they work to get cars off the road. That helps protect children from developing asthma and keep our communities healthy.”

EMERGENCY STOP! UK Government scraps all new smart motorway plans

New smart motorways to be removed from government road-building plans due to financial pressures and lack of confidence felt by drivers

  • plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures
  • smart motorways earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) and previously paused schemes will now not go ahead
  • existing smart motorways will continue to benefit from £900 million safety improvements

Plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled, delivering on the Prime Minister’s summer campaign pledge.

New smart motorways – including the 11 already paused from the second Road Investment Strategy (2020 to 2025) and the 3 earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) – will be removed from government road-building plans, given financial pressures and in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers.

Initial estimations suggest constructing future smart motorway schemes would have cost more than £1 billion and cancelling these schemes will allow more time to track public confidence in smart motorways over a longer period.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country. That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.

“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We want the public to know that this government is listening to their concerns.

“Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation.

Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran, whose 8-year-old son Dev, died in a motorway collision on the M6 in 2018, said: “Since successfully campaigning for the 18-point action plan, £900 million commitment and the pause in the roll out in January 2022, there has been a lot of joined up thinking in mutually coming to this decision.

“I thank ministers and executives for inviting me to work alongside them in memory of Dev, towards a mutual goal and for their commitment over the years.”

The government and National Highways continue to invest £900 million in further safety improvements on existing smart motorways.

This includes progressing plans on installing 150 extra emergency areas across the network in line with the commitments made in response to the Transport Select Committee, as well as further improving the performance of stopped vehicle detection technology on every all lane running smart motorway.

The government will also continue to give motorists clear advice when using existing smart motorways.

While no new stretches of road will be converted into smart motorways, the M56 J6-8 and M6 J21a-26 will be completed given they are already over three quarters constructed.

North Bridge to reopen this month

North Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic this month after the completion of essential work on its concrete deck, last replaced in the 1930s.

The bridge has been closed to northbound traffic since November 2021 to allow for specialist work, involving the demolition and replacement of a large section of the deck, waterproofing and resurfacing, as part of the major North Bridge Refurbishment Project.

Two-way running will return from 21 April, though the footpath on the west side of the bridge will remain closed for the time being.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to two-way traffic will be great news to many and I’d like to thank all those who live in and travel through the area for their patience while this essential work was carried out. In particular, I would like to thank the local business community and bus passengers for their patience.

“So much of what happens in the North Bridge Refurbishment Project goes unseen, but it’s a huge, complex scheme involving intricate, specialist skills and significant repairs to decades-old infrastructure.

“The partial closure of the bridge to traffic has allowed the team to carry out crucial work to restore and reinforce the deck for future generations. I look forward to seeing the project unfold further as the bridge’s façade is revived to its former glory.

“North Bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, and this work should ensure it maintains the same iconic status.”

Rory McFadden, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “The reopening of the North Bridge to traffic marks a momentous milestone, culminating months of hard work and tenacity from our dedicated team.

“I would like to thank the local community in Edinburgh for their co-operation and patience during these essential works, which once complete, will ensure that this iconic structure remains for generations to come.”

In November 2021, investigations revealed the poor condition of concrete within the central part of the deck. Over the last 15 months contractors have replaced the deck’s reinforced concrete and installed a waterproofing system to protect the concrete and stop surface water passing into the structural steelwork below.

Elsewhere on the bridge, complex restoration work continues, including structural steelwork repairs, which are largely complete. More recent phases have seen 80,000 new bolts installed and strengthening and repairs to almost 650 parts of the steelwork.

Contractors have also started grit blasting and painting the bridge’s iconic façade, an 18-month process which signals the start of finishing works for the bridge. As well as removing existing coatings and surface corrosion through grit blasting, specialists have begun the intricate task of repainting the Victorian façade for the first time since 1990, using a combination of spray paint and hand painting with brushes.

Some work is required to facilitate the return to two-way traffic, which will be undertaken overnight to minimise disruption. As a result, North Bridge will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am from 12 to 20 April.

Lothian Buses will reintroduce northbound services shortly after the reopening of North Bridge. For the most up to date travel information visit the Lothian Buses website.

Find out more about the North Bridge project.

Transport investment turbocharges UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth in Scotland

– Transport Minister Richard Holden outlines commitment to UK sustainable transport and maximising economic growth in Scotland
– New hydrogen powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow will help create a carbon-free future
– Meetings with local businesses and communities to explore ways to boost connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK
Plans to boost Scottish connectivity and economic growth through transport were at the heart of Transport Minister Richard Holden’s visit in Scotland yesterday (Monday 3 April 2023).

In meetings with local businesses and community leaders, he outlined the government’s commitment to developing new green technologies.

Minister Holden was in Glasgow to see new hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks backed by £16 million Government funding, which could be seen on UK roads in the near future.

These vehicles would makeroads safer, increase productivity and help protect the environment.This investment is supporting the UK’s ambition of achieving net zero by 2050 and ensuring the UK maximises the opportunities offered by new technologies, while supporting high-skilled jobs.

Minister Holden also had a tour of new transport links in Ravenscraig and the surrounding areas, which has received £127 million investment jointly funded by the UK Government, Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council. 

This investment will improve connectivity to local towns and cities, create thousands of jobs and encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Transport Minister Richard Holden said: “Innovation like this in Scotland will help the UK become a world-leading next-generation transport hub by protecting the environment and meeting our global ambitions.

“Boosting transport connections across the UK will grow the economy and ensure that everyone no matter where they live has access to well paid, high-quality jobs.”

The regeneration of the Ravenscraig site is estimated to generate 4,600 construction jobs in follow on development and £626 million for the local economy. 

This funding is part of the Glasgow Region City Deal which saw over £1 billion committed for major infrastructure projects in Glasgow and the surrounding areas comprising of funding from the UK Government and Scottish Government. 

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “UK Government investment is helping power Scotland into the fast lane of sustainable transport innovation and delivering improved connectivity – levelling up the UK and bringing communities closer together.

“From hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow, the regeneration of Ravenscraig’s road, rail, cycling and walking infrastructure, a new ferry to save Fair Isle, to a green transport hub in Dundee, we are working to improve people’s journeys, boost economic growth and protect the environment.

“But there’s more to be done and we are committed to continue working closely with the Scottish Government and local partners to deliver the benefits travellers want and businesses need.”

Minister Holden met local businesses and communities to explore how investment in road schemes, railway lines and domestic flights between Scotland and the rest of the UK could boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Research found 60% of people thought that improving transport links across the UK would make a positive difference to their own nation.

Minister Holden will also be visiting Northern Ireland and Wales in the coming days.

Oh, oh: Council to launch ‘Leith Connections’ active travel project

MORE DISRUPTION FOR BELEAGUERED LEITH BUSINESSES?

Work will soon begin on a scheme to create safer, more welcoming places to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in Leith, the city council has announced.

The first phase of Leith Connections will introduce measures to limit through traffic and enhance streets for pedestrians and people cycling in areas around Constitution Street, Leith Links and the Shore.

Construction will begin in the week commencing 10 April and is expected to last until late June. Amongst the changes are improved pedestrian crossings, planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces, community-inspired artwork and pavement decluttering.

This is alongside new traffic layouts in several of the streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. These include the closure of Sandport Place Bridge to motor traffic, bus gates at the Shore and Links Place and modal filters to prevent through traffic in some areas.

All residential and business properties will still be accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected. Full details are available on the Leith Connections website.

Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, those to the east of the Shore, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Leith Connections is a really exciting opportunity to create safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses.

“These changes have drawn on feedback from the community, as well as the Council’s own monitoring. They will also provide better connections to popular walking and cycling routes nearby, like the north Edinburgh path network and the Water of Leith walkway and soon, protected cycle lanes on Leith Walk, delivered as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.

“The team has drawn up a robust monitoring and evaluation plan so that once it’s in place, they can understand the benefits and impacts of Leith Connections. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks too, as part of the ETRO process. I shall be watching this installation closely as I am keen to see more schemes like this in Edinburgh.

Michael Melton, Grant Manager at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to make Leith a safer and more accessible place to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time. The Leith Connections project has been shaped by the local community, with changes including new traffic layouts, improved pedestrian crossings and community-inspired artwork.

Officers will closely monitor the impact of the project through automatic traffic counts, air quality monitoring, market research and focus groups. Information gathered will feed into recommendations for the future of the project.

Further phases of Leith Connections will deliver protected cycle lanes running from the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal (delivered in parallel to the Trams to Newhaven project) and from the Hawthornvale path to Seafield.

These plans are still under development and will include additional improvements to the public spaces in the area.

Find out more about Leith Connections.

More traffic chaos looms: Haymarket Terrace to close until NOVEMBER

Yet more misery for businesses and residents

Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.

The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.

The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.

The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.

Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.

Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.

This will tie into a new George Street cycling route delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.

“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”

SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said: “Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.

“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”

During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.

Information on bus diversions can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

CCWEL is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure scheme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. Find out more about the CCWEL project.