The latest programme of work to progress the Haymarket to St Andrew Square section of the Edinburgh Tram route has been announced today .
St Andrew Street and Shandwick Place will be closed to traffic on 7th and 14th January, with a series of diversions being put in place as part of a co-ordinated traffic management exercise.
The move will allow utility work to be completed ahead of the start of major infrastructure work in February 2012.
On-street works in the Haymarket area and on Princes Street will continue in parallel, with the latter due for completion early next summer – well in advance of the Edinburgh Festivals.
Pedestrian access to all areas will be maintained, with crossing points created where necessary, and clear signage will be in place for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Dave Anderson, Director of City Development, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are now moving forward with the project and, from January, work on all sections of the route, from the Airport to St Andrew Square, will be underway.
“Although this latest programme of works will last throughout 2012, it is important to understand that the project has now reached a critical stage and that we need to push ahead with required work as efficiently as possible.
“We would like to thank the people of Edinburgh for their continued patience throughout this process and reassure them that project is on track to be completed within our current timescale.”
Gordon Mackenzie, transport convener, added: “We have been working closely with city centre businesses to minimise the impact on trade during the course of the works, committing close to £1m to our business support scheme over the next two years.
“With the support of our partners and stakeholders, and thanks to the cooperation of the public, the city has adapted well in the past to similar changes in traffic management and we are confident that, once the arrangements bed in, they will enable us to keep Edinburgh moving for the duration of the works.”
Road closure details
St. Andrew Street: Work begins on Saturday 7th January. The East side of Saint Andrew Square (including North and South St. Andrew Street) will be closed to vehicles with all traffic switched to the West side. The work site will extend down on to Princes Street and to the right as far as Waverley Bridge. There will still be access to shops and premises while additional support will be put in place for business deliveries. Work is due to be completed by the end of 2012.
Shandwick Place: Work begins on Saturday 14th January with Shandwick Place closed to all traffic between Atholl Crescent and Lothian Road. Traffic will be diverted to either Melville Street for east bound traffic or the West Approach Road for west bound traffic. There will still be access to shops and premises while additional support will be put in place for business deliveries. Work is due to be completed by Spring 2013.
You can download the maps showing the diversions here.
