Only one city-bound lane on Leith Walk until at least Summer 2021 as tram works begin on the street next month

It is a major milestone in the construction of the tram extension, but diversions will be in place for Leith-bound traffic and public transport.
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More than a year of disruption for Leith Walk users will start next month as the construction of the tram extension to Newhaven reaches its next stage.

Work will begin on Leith Walk on Saturday 28 March and will last until at least Summer 2021.

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The road will be reduced to one city-bound lane between London Road and Crown Place for the duration of the work with Leith-bound drivers diverted away from the main road.

Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Elm Row (Photo: Edinburgh Council)Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Elm Row (Photo: Edinburgh Council)
Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Elm Row (Photo: Edinburgh Council)

Access to the site for emergency vehicles will be maintained, however drivers have been told that there will be no stopping or waiting on the city-bound lane for the duration of the work.

Pedestrian access will be maintained on both sides of Leith Walk, with temporary car parks on Leith Walk to allow people to visit and shop in the area.

There will also be a bi-directional cycle lane on the west side of the road with local diversions for cyclists when required.

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Lothian buses have also announced diversions to buses with the main routes affected including the 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 22, 25 and 49, which will follow different routes on journeys towards Leith.

Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Ocean Drive (Photo: Edinburgh Council)Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Ocean Drive (Photo: Edinburgh Council)
Artist impression of how the tram extension will look on Ocean Drive (Photo: Edinburgh Council)

Utility work to take place alongside tracklaying

From the start of construction until mid-April, contractors will erect fencing before excavating the site for tracklaying and utility diversions.

Work will also take place to install the infrastructure for the trams as well as public realm improvements and heritage and archaeology works.

Communal bins will be moved from the main road to the nearest side street, with the council promising increased uplifts to keep the area clean and tidy.

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As part of the work, the London Road roundabout clock and the bronze pigeons will be refurbished and returned to Elm Row in Autumn 2021

'Major milestone'

Transport and environment convener, councillor Lesley Macinnes said: "We are about to reach a major milestone in the project to take the trams to Newhaven, as we prepare for the main phase of works on Leith Walk.

"We are already progressing well with the first phase of the project on Constitution Street and the Trams to Newhaven team have been working closely with contractors and transport operators to plan this next crucial stage.

"We will continue to engage with residents and businesses to keep them up-to-speed with plans as the project progresses."

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The transport vice convener, councillor Karen Doran added: "This is a transformational project for the city as a whole, but we’re aware of the particular impact this work will have on the people living nearby.

"That’s why our team has been making every effort to share information on the process, as well as providing support to adapt to the changes for residents and businesses.

Ongoing construction

Full details of ongoing work and work scheduled to begin this spring are:

1. London Road to Crown Place – starting 28 March 2020, scheduled to complete Autumn 2021

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2. Ocean Drive - starting 13 March 2020, scheduled to complete Autumn 2020

3. Newhaven to Melrose Drive – starting 6 March 2020, scheduled to complete Summer 2021

4. Queen Charlotte Street to Constitution Place – ongoing, scheduled to complete Autumn 2020

5. Foot of the Walk to Coatfield Lane – ongoing, scheduled to complete by Spring 2021