Cameron Toll roundabout will be partially closed for three days this weekend.
Scottish Power is undertaking essential ducting work underneath the section of the roundabout between Lady Road and Dalkeith Road.
The City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed the works, and a diversion route via Lady Road, Craigmillar Park, Mayfield Gardens, Minto Street, Newington Road, East Preston Street and Dalkeith Road – the other side of the roundabout – has been put in place.
The city’s transport chiefs have said that the contractors will dig trial holes in the road during the closure and endeavour to install the ducting within the closure – with the road likely reopening on Monday.
However, if the results from the trial holes do not allow this, the ducting work will be rescheduled to next year, and the lane will likely reopen on Saturday evening.
The Cameron Toll roundabout is an important nexus for bus routes in the south of the city, so Lothian Buses has been forced to divert a series of bus routes.
The 12, 24, 33, 38, 49, and X33 buses will all be diverted around the roundabout.
Cameron Toll has been plagued by persistent closures over the years, with a collapsed culvert, emergency gas works, a hole under the carriageway, and an expansion to the overhead rail line have all forcing the roundabout’s closure over the past two years.
A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “The works will focus on sections of underground high?voltage electricity cables between Kaimes substation to Dewar Place via Whitehouse substation, which are critical in supplying power to homes, businesses and public services across the city.
“The works will replace an existing 275kV cable system, currently running between Kaimes, Whitehouse and Dewar Place substations.
“Where possible, the proposed cabling will make use of sections of the existing installation, including at key connection points to minimise works.
“Initial site investigations started on 29 June, focusing on key locations such as Cameron Toll Roundabout, Lower Gilmour Place and the Braid Burn.
“We recognise that carrying out works in a busy city centre can impact local communities and we’re committed to minimising disruption as far as possible. We’ve agreed traffic management plans with the Council to maintain access for residents, businesses and emergency services and will provide advance notice of restrictions.”
