Tie have revealed the next stage of the construction of the Edinburgh tram project which will see the utility diversion work move on to Constitution Street, Leith from the end of March. As is usual when an announcement like this is made more complaints have come out from residents, businesses and the like.
Work is expected to last from March to September and will comprise three main phases:
Phase 1:
Section A (Foot of the Walk to Laurie Street) – commences 31st March for 9 weeks
Section C (Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street) – commences 31st March for 11 weeks
Section E (Mitchell Street to Baltic Street) - commences 31st March for 7 weeks
Phase 2:
Section F (Baltic Street to Tower Street) - commences 26th May for 10 weeks
Section B (Laurie Street to Coatfield Street) – commences 23rd June for 12 weeks
Section D (Queen Charlotte Street to Mitchell Street) – commences 23rd June for 7 weeks
Phase 3:
Section G (Tower Street to Ocean Drive) – commences 11th August for 4 weeks
Whilst the work takes place sections of Constitution Street will have to be closed as the work progresses with temporary traffic management measures being put in place to ensure the minimum disruption is felt. This will include westbound traffic at the foot of Leith Walk being diverted along Great Junction Street and northbound traffic
being diverted off Leith Walk to Dalmeny Street and Easter Road.
Willie Gallagher, Executive Chairman of tie, said: ““Constitution Street is the next key location in the utility diversion programme and we will be commencing work in that area from the end of March. As with the work on Shandwick Place we have worked closely with our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses and the emergency services and developed the best solution that provides optimum flow for both public transport and other traffic. Next week we are commencing community and business surgeries for those impacted by the work. This is a continuation of the work with residents and the business community in this part of Edinburgh to ensure that practical issues including access and service are resolved and that Edinburgh remains open for business as the work continues. We recognise that Edinburgh wants this work done quickly and safely. This methodology, coupled with the traffic management measures, is the best way to achieve this.”
Phil Wheeler, Transport Convener, City of Edinburgh Council, added: “The attention to detail by all concerned in planning the closure of Shandwick Place has been repeated for Constitution Street. The tight choreography by the team should once again make for a smooth introduction of the diversions. As before these measures help to ensure that Edinburgh remains open for business throughout the delivery period for the tram.”
As can be expected there have already been complaints about the work – even before it has started. Linda Tarbuck, joint chairwoman of Leith Links Residents’ Association, said: “It sounds as if traffic will be detoured around very residential areas where there are a lot of children, close by Leith Academy on John's Place and beside the park. No doubt there will be buses and heavy vehicles along streets that aren't used to such heavy traffic. Road closures and changes like these make it very difficult for people trying to use buses in particular, their journey time is extended as there is no longer a bus lane, while people who are driving to town encounter problems and roadworks at every turn. We've already had to put up with the situation on Leith Walk and we've had road works on Easter Road."
Source: Trams for Edinburgh & The Scotsman