The next phase of the utility diversion works are to commence at the Mound junction with Princes Street on Wednesday 1st October, tie have officially announced. This work is expected to last until April 2009, with bus and other vehicle diversions in place throughout this period.
Willie Gallagher, Executive Chairman of tie, commented: “We don’t underestimate the need to mitigate the impact of these works. Every area where we have been has its own similarities and differences. In the case of Princes Street we are acutely aware of its status to the city centre from a retailer, shopper and tourist perspective. Following the completion of these works the Edinburgh public will begin to see the creation of the tram infrastructure with track lines, overhead line equipment and tram stops all being built. Throughout all of this we will continue to work closely with our partners at City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses and the emergency services to ensure that work is carried out as efficiently and safely as possible, with disruption kept to a minimum. Our customer services team will also maintain regular contact with businesses in the area and every effort will be made to ensure easy customer access, with special arrangements for delivery vehicles wherever possible.”
Phil Wheeler, City of Edinburgh Council, added: “This final phase of utility diversion works is at one of the busiest junctions in the city centre. Throughout the programme shops and businesses remain open and access for pedestrians is maintained so people can continue to enjoy our wonderful city centre. As with all the other works in this programme the diversionary routes have been well planned and I am confident that traffic will continue to flow. However the massive scope of these works means that there may be some delays so I would urge travellers to look at other routes to their destination or adding time on to journeys.”
Crucial temporary traffic management solutions have been carefully developed so as to ensure the highest regard for safety, the need to mitigate any impact and allow the free flow of traffic around the work sites.
Source: Trams for Edinburgh