More Edinburgh city centre transport woes as major route closed due to Fiji vs Scotland at Murrayfield
The city centre road will be closed this Saturday (July 18) as rugby fans make their way to Murrayfield Stadium
Those out and about in Edinburgh this weekend are facing more city centre transport woes after it was announced that a main route will be closed to traffic this weekend.
Commuters are already facing disruption with the ongoing closure of Princes Street following last week’s devastating fire at the former Debenhams department store building.
With Princes Street set to remain closed until at least August, vehicles have been diverted onto George Street and Queen Street which in turn has caused tailbacks at busy times.
However, there is set to be more disruption this weekend after City of Edinburgh Council announced that Shandwick Place will also be closed to traffic.
In an update, the council confirmed that Shandwick Place will be subject to closure on Saturday, July 18 to accommodate fans travelling to Murrayfield Stadium for Scotland’s Nations Championship match against Fiji.
The update said: “Shandwick Place will be temporarily closed to vehicles from 11am - 7pm to allow people going to the Scotland v Fiji rugby match to safely get on and off trams and travel to Murrayfield stadium.
“Buses and bikes will be diverted along Coates Crescent and Atholl Crescent. Please plan ahead if you need to travel.”
Tram services are currently only running between Edinburgh Airport and the West End, with stops from Princes Street onwards to Newhaven out of commission due to the Princes Street road closure.
As a result, tram services to Murrayfield Stadium this weekend are expected to be busier than usual. Fans have also been advised that tram tickets are being accepted on Lothian Bus services 16 and 25 between Newhaven and the West End.
Fans travelling to the stadium have already been advised to allow for extra time for their journeys due to the road closure and diversion routes.
Edinburgh Trams said in an update to users: “Whether you’re taking the tram or the bus with Lothian to the game, due to the disruption on Princes Street and diversions in place across the city, make sure you plan your journey and make travel arrangements in advance.
“Services are likely to be busy so please ensure you have a travel plan in place. The forecast for Saturday’s game is set to be a good one, so if you want to soak up more of the city, the West End is only a 15–20-minute walk to Murrayfield.”