It is fully expected that this week will see Edinburgh City Council approve plans to fully close Princes Street for the laying of tram tracks in early 2009 – despite protests that last time this happened severe disruption was encountered.
A source from tie is quoted in the Edinburgh Evening News: “We never actually said the Princes Street closure wouldn't be going ahead. There was obviously a major review of what happened over The Mound. But it's simply untenable to try to do the work on Princes Street in phases. It could lead to a delay of six months in completing the whole project."
Councillors in Edinburgh have been recommended that Princes Street is fully closed to traffic until the August festival roadworks embargo, with tram works and the traffic restrictions resuming from September to the end of November. Careful planning and traffic modelling has been done by Council officials to come up with this plan.
Enabling work will commence on Princes Street from Monday 5th January with the full work and diversions starting in February. For the first time progress will be evident above the ground and work will include excavations for the tram tracks and ducts, placing foundations for the overhead poles, preparation of the foundations of the tracks, laying and concreting of the tracks and finally the reconstruction of the road.
Surprisingly the business community in the city seem to be in favour of this move towards a complete closure. A spokesman from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “There's no doubt a full closure of Princes Street will cause major disruption, but getting the work done quicker is preferable."
A full communications plan has been put in place to ensure businesses, residents and the community are fully informed of the works. This will include leaflets, improved signage and advertising in key publications. This plan will be led by a team from tie, City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian Buses.
Source: Edinburgh City Council & The Scotsman