Project Update Newsletter - December 2022
At the end of the year, we have reached some key milestones with new junctions, crossings, wider pavements and sections of cycle path in place.
Construction Update
Progress has at times been curtailed by challenges experienced across the construction industry in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. These two issues have constrained the availability of key resources and materials required for construction and, alongside recent winter weather, impacted completion timescales in some areas. Nonetheless we are continuing to make good overall progress and a number of key work areas are complete, or nearing completion.
Section 1 – Roseburn to Haymarket
The installation of the protected cycleway along the north side of West Coates is almost complete, alongside the introduction of continuous footways over side roads. The new junctions are designed to give priority to anyone walking, wheeling or cycling, in line with recent changes to the Highway Code. The cycleway is now in place from Roseburn Cliff to the Wester Coates Road Junction with the section from the Wester Coates Road junction to Magdala Crescent to be completed in January 2023.
Roseburn Street and Russell Road
Works are now substantially complete in the Roseburn Street and Russell Road areas. It is planned to install the pedestrian crossings and traffic signals in early in 2023. The change of priorities on the road has been implemented, with Russell Road now having priority over Roseburn Street. We are aware that the existing traffic signals are introducing new challenges to this new configuration, and we are working closely with the traffic signal engineers to improve the overall situation moving forward.
Roseburn Terrace – north side
The works along the north side of Roseburn Terrace from Roseburn Cliff to the Roseburn Street junction were completed in December. This also included the completion of works on the entrance into Roseburn Cliff. We are now working on the footway improvements between Murrayfield Avenue and Roseburn Cliff, which will include upgrading the surface of the Old Coltbridge and surrounding paving. This work will continue to Spring 2023.
Works within Murrayfield Place will continue into Spring 2023, and will include the upgrade to the Old Coltbridge, and adjacent paved areas.
Haymarket Terrace
In order to construct the cycleway on Haymarket Terrace we require to divert a Scottish Gas Networks main between Haymarket Yards and Roseberry Crescent. This diversion, and our subsequent works to construct the cycleway in this area, will require a closure of Haymarket Terrace to all eastbound traffic from March to October 2023. During this time there will be a diversion in place via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent and Palmerston Place.
Section 2 – Haymarket to Randolph Place
The new cycle path and footways on Palmerston Place and Bishop’s Walk are now complete, including the new signalised crossing over Palmerston Place, and the new parallel priority crossing over the junction between Palmerston Place and the Crescents.
Construction of the cycle path to the south side of Melville Street remains on-going.
Randolph Place
Construction on Randolph Place will commence in early January and continue to early Summer 2023. This work has been delayed to reduce the impact on residents and businesses over the festive season. Work at the junction of Queensferry Street and Melville Street will start in Spring 2023.
Section 3 – St Andrew Square to York Place
Works on Queen Street and North St David Street have progressed well and will continue into early 2023.
Work will commence on York Place between Elder Street and St Andrew Street in mid January. This will require a closure of York Place to all westbound traffic west of Elder Street from January to May. During this time local access will be maintained from Picardy Place to Elder Street, the Bus Station and the St James Quarter and a diversion will be in place for westbound traffic via Abercrombie Place. All traffic exiting Elder Street will be required to turn right to head eastbound on York Place.