7 months of gas works set for Old Town

Work will soon begin in the Capital's Old Town to upgrade the gas network with at least seven months of work expected.

Significant diversions will be in place in the Old Town for 7 months. Picture; Rob McDougall.

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Gas distribution network company SGN will be carrying out work to improve local gas networks in the High Street, Blackfriars Street, Cowgate, Holyrood Road and St John Street.

Following consultation with the local authority, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local bus companies, work will start on Monday March 20 and take approximately 28 weeks.

The project involves replacing old metal pipework with modern plastic pipe to ensure safe and reliable gas supply for the local community for many years to come.

The work has been planned to minimise inconvenience and keep traffic flowing and avoid high profile events in the area. Concern had been raised due to the Fringe taking place during the work, however assurances have been given to ensure high profile events taking place in the area will be unaffected by the work.

Residents and road users have been warned that during the project there will be some diversions and road closures, however, pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, while all businesses in the local area will remain open as usual.

Work will take place between 7am -7pm, six days a week with Sunday working as and when required.

Work will continue during the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, however, this will be carried out away from the main festival area during this time.

A drop-in session at the Radisson Blu Hotel on The Royal Mile, will take place on Wednesday 15 March between 4pm and 7.30pm.SGN Team Manager Matt Ferguson said: “We’re sorry about any inconvenience our work causes. This is a complex engineering project, however we’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating and would like to thank road users, local businesses and residents for their patience while we carry out our essential work.”