St James Quarter: Dismantling of huge crane closes road for three days

A large crane that was used in the construction of the St James development is being dismantled.
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The major city centre project is now in its last phase ahead of the long-awaited opening on June 24.

Construction has been underway for five years after the former St James Centre closed its doors in 2016.

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Installed in March 2018, the cranes used in the construction of the £1bn project became a much-loved fixture of the Edinburgh skyline, particularly at night when they were illuminated.

Workers taking down the structure on Saturday: Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMediaWorkers taking down the structure on Saturday: Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia
Workers taking down the structure on Saturday: Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia

Nine tower cranes in total have been used on the site. The first crane was taken down in November 2019.

To accommodate the crane removal, the northbound lane of Leith Street closed at 7pm on Thursday and will reopen at 6am on Monday.

Lothian bus services are affected but diversions are in place.

They are as follows:

Crane no more. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMediaCrane no more. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia
Crane no more. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia
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Services 1, 4, 19, 22, 25, 34, N16, N22, N25, N26 and N113, between Princes Street and London Road/Elm Row, are being diverted via South St. David Street and York Place.

Buses between North Bridge and London Road/Elm Row – services 5, 7, 14 and 49 – will be diverted via Princes Street, South St. David Street and York Place northbound only.

Bus service 8, between North Bridge and Broughton Street, are diverted via Princes Street, South St. David Street, York Place and Picardy Place northbound only.

A message from the Editor:

Road closure. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMediaRoad closure. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia
Road closure. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia

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