Drivers facing traffic chaos in Edinburgh as Edinburgh City Bypass remains closed 11 hours after crash
Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes
The Edinburgh City Bypass remains closed in both directions almost 11 hours after emergency services were called to a crash.
Police descended on the A720 near Clovenstone at around 8.55pm on Wednesday, November 11.
The road was closed in both directions between the Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait, with police having urged drivers to avoid the area.
In a further update at 4.30am, Police Scotland said the road remained closed and “is expected to remain closed for a number of hours”.
The spokesman added that motorists are still being advised to find alternative routes.
It is not currently known how many vehicles were involved in the crash or if anyone has been injured.
Speaking at 4.30am today, a Police Scotland spokesman said: “Emergency services remain in attendance following a crash on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass near Clovenstone, which was reported to police around 8.55pm on Wednesday, 11 November, 2026.
“The road is closed in both directions between Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait and is expected to remain closed for a number of hours.
“Motorists are advised to continue use alternative routes.”
The closure has sparked traffic chaos across the city, with drivers on the bypass last night reporting that the A720 was at “a total standstill”.
This morning, drivers are facing severe delays across much of south and west Edinburgh, with many bus services having also been delayed as a result.
Edinburgh Travel News on X, which is run by the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Lengthy traffic delays across much of west / south west Edinburgh this morning - the City Bypass remains closed both ways between Dreghorn and Hermiston Gait following in incident last night.
“Fairmilehead, Oxgangs, Colinton, Redford, Craiglockhart, Longstone, Gillespie, Clovenstone, Wester Hailes areas all badly affected by the City Bypass closure - expect lengthy delays this morning. A70 is queuing from Riccarton Mains Road to Gillespie crossroads.”
Lothian Buses also warned passengers to expect delays on services 2, 3, 4, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 70, 71, 100, X27, X28, X40 and X19.