Notification of Works Commencing on the East Side of Leith Walk

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2022: Please note that due to emergency works carried out by Scottish Water on Albert Street, the planned left hand turn off Leith Walk onto Albert Street has had to be suspended. In order to facilitate localised access, a left hand turn from Leith Walk to Dalmeny Street using temporary traffic lights will be put in place. This will not be suitable for HGVs.

With construction progressing well and nearing completion on the west side of Leith Walk, the next phasing of works will now move to the east side.

This will result in the current city bound running lane closing and traffic being diverted to the new road surface on the west side from Manderston Street. This will enable the works on the east side which will include the establishment of kerb lines, improved public realm and the creation of a new carriageway. These works are scheduled to start from Wednesday 2 February 2022 and are expected to be completed by Summer 2022.

Traffic Management

Traffic management arrangements have been approved jointly with members of the city's Traffic Management Review Panel, including Lothian Buses and the emergency services. Diversion routes and advanced warning signage will be erected in the area.

Leith Walk will remain closed to all northbound traffic between the Annandale Street and Crown Place. Northbound access to Annandale Street will be maintained.

View the traffic management plans (PDF)

Roads re-opening

• Pilrig Street – access to and from Pilrig Street will be reintroduced heading south
• Steads Place – access to and from Steads Place will be reintroduced heading south

Road Closures from Leith Walk

In order to complete public realm works on the east side of Leith Walk, the following roads will be closing at their junctions with Leith Walk at certain times:

• Dalmeny Street – as part of site set up there will be no access to Dalmeny Street from Leith Walk.
• Iona Street – as part of site set up a full closure will be implemented.
• Lorne Street - as part of site set up a full closure will be implemented.
• Manderston Street – as part of site set up there will be no access to Manderston Street from Leith Walk.

Alternative diversions will be in place which will be signposted. 

Other junctions will close as and when required as works progress. Further details on the timings for each junction closure will be communicated via the project’s communication channels.

Lothian Buses

The project has consulted with Lothian Buses on the proposed traffic management to allow the development of their bus diversion routes.

At Elm Row a temporary bus stop layout has been installed with pedestrian access being maintained via Montgomery Street, Annandale Junction and Elm Row.

Stops will be maintained throughout the works at Elm Row and Foot of the Walk with two “floating” stops in the vicinity of Pilrig Street and Lorne Street.  Details of any bus diversions can be found at www.lothianbuses.com .  

Supporting Local Businesses & Logistic Hubs

A Support for Business package is in place, devised in consultation with businesses in the area, which will include a local voucher scheme, an ‘open for business’ campaign across a range of media, and a business continuity fund. Full details can be found here: Support for Business

Logistics hubs to support businesses remain operational on Montgomery Street, Albert Street, Dalmeny Street and near Foot of the Walk to help with deliveries and dispatches. Help will also be at hand at these logistic hubs for residents expecting large deliveries such as appliances or furniture.

Cycling

Localised works will be ongoing on the bi-directional cycle lane. As a result, existing cycle diversion routes will remain in place until completion. View the cycle diversions.

Parking and access

Loading and parking will be available in the newly constructed bays on the west side of Leith Walk as part of the final designs.

Pedestrian footways and access to shops, hospitality and leisure units on the east side will be maintained at all times. During these works, footpath widths will range from 2.0m to 1.5m. In some instances, this may need to be reduced further.

Businesses that currently occupy the footway will have to remove any arrangements in place, to accommodate the works, including table and chairs.  All affected businesses will be visited by a project representative ahead of these changes and any concerns can be further discussed.

Contact Us

If you have any concerns or further questions regarding these works then please contact the Trams to Newhaven project team by email on Newhaven.tram@edinburgh.gov.uk or alternatively contact our customer helpline on 0131 322 1122 (local rate Monday to Sunday 8am to 7pm).