Edinburgh active travel upgrade: Plans unveiled to revitalise Craigmillar and Niddrie streets
Residents in Craigmillar and Niddrie are being invited to have their say on a major overhaul of local streets
Plans to transform the main travel corridors of Craigmillar and Niddrie have been unveiled by the City of Edinburgh Council, with proposals for protected cycle lanes, new bus priority measures, and enhanced pedestrian crossings.
The local authority believes the Craigmillar Niddrie Connections project will help locals easily get to local shops, schools and other community facilities, along Peffermill Road, Niddrie Mains Road and Newcraighall Road.
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The project promises safer crossings at busy locations, faster and more reliable bus times with new bus lanes, safe cycle routes along the main roads, and nicer public spaces with new trees and plants added.
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “With this busy travel corridor a key bus route for the local community, but also people travelling through the area, new bus lanes will help to improve bus journey times.”
The designs are set out in seven sections, with the key proposals set out below.
Zebra crossings are planned for Peffermill Road from Prestonfield Avenue to the junction with Duddingston Road West, along with a new bus lane on approach to the junction with Duddingston Road West to improve bus journey times, as well as bus stop bypasses and signalised crossings.
Parking will be removed on the southeast side of Peffermill Road to create space for the cycle track and bus lane. While new loading and parking bays will be created on the east side of Craigmillar Castle Road.
Also proposed are a separate crossing phase for cyclists and for pedestrians, and a protected, two-way cycle track on the north side of the road, starting at Prestonfield Avenue to allow people to safely cycle to Craigmillar, Niddrie and Fort Kinnaird.
At Cairntows Park, a new gateway and footpath through the park with access near the shops is proposed, along with a shared-use path between Peffermill Road and Duddingston Road West. As well as new trees and planting in the park, and a new play and seating area.
The proposals for Niddrie Mains Road, west from Duddingston Road West to Greendykes Road, include continuous pavements, raised tables and zebra crossings to help people cross side streets, as well as more greenspaces and seating.
There are also plans for new crossings, a two-way cycle track on the north side of the road, the removal of parking bays, and new loading and parking bays will be created on the east side of Craigmillar Castle Road.
The eastbound Craigmillar Library bus stop and Wauchope Place bus stop will be combined into one stop outside Castle Brae High School to improve bus journey times.
The proposals for Niddrie Mains Road east from Greendykes Road to the junction with The Wisp include a signalised junction at Greendykes Road to help pedestrians and cyclists cross the road safely, and to improve traffic flow.
The Wauchope Road bus stop and Hay Avenue bus stop will be combined into one stop near Moffat Way/ Niddrie Marischal Street, while the Jack Kane Centre bus stop and Hay Drive/ Niddrie Mill Avenue bus stops will also be combined into one stop
The plans for Newcraighall Road from The Wisp to Fort Kinnaird also include continuous pavements, raised tables and zebra crossings, as well as a protected, two-way cycle track on the north side of the road. The westbound Peacocktail Close bus stop would be moved westward to provide space for the bus lane and right turning lane.
Greendykes Road from Niddrie Mains Road to Egan Terrace will have a protected, two-way cycle track on the west side of the Greendykes Road (east arm), continuing on from the existing two-way cycle track on the southern section of Greendykes Road.
The plans also include the potential to continue a two-way cycle track to Niddrie Mains Road if agreement with the landowner can be reached, as well as a proposed new northbound bus stop to match the southbound St Teresa Church bus stop.
Temporary pavement widening outside Castleview Primary School will be made permanent, and side streets opposite the school will be changed to continuous pavements.
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The council spokesperson added: “By sharing your views, you will be helping us make sure that the proposals for permanent walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in Craigmillar and Niddrie reflect what the community needs.
“Between May and July 2023 we carried out a survey to help us understand your views on the streets, public spaces, local facilities and amenities in the local area.
“We have also carried out an Integrated Impact Assessment for the project which helps us consider the different needs of everyone in the community when making decisions and developing the designs.”
You can take part in the online survey, open until July 8. Or attend the community drop-in events at Craigmillar Library, May 11, 10am to 7pm, and The White House, May 27, 11am to 2pm
You can also pick up paper copies of the consultation from Craigmillar library, The White House and local schools.