Cyclists hit out at ‘dangerous’ diversions after Water of Leith bridge closures
Two bridges remain closed for extended period of time due to safety concerns
Cyclists have criticised “dangerous” diversions following a spate of footbridge closures along the Water of Leith.
Both Kinauld Tan Works footbridge near Currie and Powderhall footbridge in Canonmills have been closed for repairs forcing riders through housing estates and on to busy public roads.
Spokes Lothian, a group campaigning for better conditions for cyclists across Edinburgh and the Lothians, have raised concerns about both diversions, with the Currie diversion forcing cyclists on to a road on which five cyclists have been seriously injured in the last five years.
They said the 30mph road, a section of the A70 on Lanark Road West, “presents a danger” to cyclists, particularly the families of younger or older people who often use the off-road path and are “especially vulnerable” to hazards like fast cars or navigating parked vehicles on the narrow road.
The group are calling for a risk assessment to be carried out to determine whether the route is “suitable and safe”.
Kinauld Tan Works footbridge initially closed in June after a hole appeared, reopening in late September only to close exactly a month later following further investigations on the underside of the bridge.
At the council’s Transport committee, Tory councillor Neil Cuthbert asked why a detailed investigation was not carried out during the initial closure and whether a temporary crossing could be installed while it is decided whether the bridge needs repairing or replacing.
It is expected to be closed for a “substantial period” however it is not clear whether it will need replacing like the Powderhall footbridge, a full replacement for which is not expected to be installed until “at least early 2028”.
An open letter published last month by the New Town and Broughton Community Council and Leith Central Community Council expressed “profound dismay and deep frustration” over the Powderhall bridge closure.
The bridge forms part of St Mark’s Path, a “vital travel route” between Broughton Road and St Mark’s Path, which closed abruptly when the bridge failed a safety inspection in June.
A diversion through a private housing estate and up an uneven gravel path is yet to be officially signposted and has been described by Spokes Lothian as “considerably less direct” and “more dangerous for people walking, wheeling or cycling”.
Calling the closure “deeply concerning”, they said: “For older people, disabled people, those using mobility aids, families with young children and less confident cyclists, the loss of this connection can represent a significant barrier rather than a minor inconvenience.
“It also undermines the council's wider ambitions to increase active travel, reduce car dependency, improve public health and tackle climate change.”
Spokes Lothian told the council that they should “investigate every viable opportunity to accelerate replacement” and agreed with the community councils that clear project ownership needs to be established.
A briefing note shared by the council last month said: “A temporary footbridge is not a viable or practical solution for this project, even if an ‘off-the-shelf’ system such as an Acrow temporary bridge is used.”
The council’s briefing note said signs would be put in place “shortly”.
Progress on the bridge’s replacement will begin once funding becomes available in the new financial year, with replacing the bridge estimated to cost around £2.2 million.