Edinburgh locals 'frustrated' as council announces six-month road closure in city centre
The diversion will bring another headache for drivers after a series of major diversions in recent months
Drivers will be hit by further diversions as a city centre road is due to close to traffic for six months while its stone setts are restored.
Access to St Mary’s Street off the Royal Mile will be limited to pedestrians for the duration of the works from Monday September 21 to completely reconstruct the carriage way.
The half-a-year-long construction works, which the City of Edinburgh Council announced on Friday, mean yet more lengthy diversions for motorists navigating through the city centre.
While those travelling up to Royal Mile can use Blackfriars Street, drivers heading towards Pleasance will have to go via South Bridge or the Scottish Parliament.
For businesses like Moo Pie Gelato, which sits half way down St Mary’s Street, the closure will coincide with a normally busy Christmas period for the hot chocolate seller.
“There’s definitely going to be reduced footfall and there’s going to be a lot of noise and dust,” owner Emma Riddell said.
Local businesses were warned about the closure and will be able to use the road for deliveries while construction workers relay the setts.
The small business owner said: “As long as they stick to the timeline that they have given us as to how long it’s going to take, I think we’ll be fine. But I know that it’s kind of notorious that roadworks take a lot longer. That would definitely add pressure.”
Alongside the restoration works, the project will upgrade the road’s zebra crossing half way down the road, improve local drainage systems and enhance the pavement for pedestrians.
“It is very disappointing that there is another significant road closure ahead and I know that anyone who needs to navigate through the city as well as local residents will be frustrated to hear this,” conservative councillor Joanna Mowat said.
Transport and environment convener cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “Residents have been clear that improving the condition of our roads must be a priority, and we’re getting on with delivering that investment.
“I appreciate these works may cause some disruption for residents, businesses and visitors, and I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding.”