DUKE STREET JUNCTION WORKS UPDATE

This is what is happening –

Footway widening outside former Leith Academy building from Duncan Place is progressing with new slabs being laid this week. It will stop at the existing pedestrian crossing for now until the roundabout is removed in around 3-4 weeks.

The contractor is also widening the footway outside the shops on Duke Street and they are currently laying the new slabs – will probably be completed later this week.

The contractor will then remove some of the existing islands at Lochend Road / Vanburgh place and will widen the footpath at that location. At the same time they will also start laying new ducts for traffic signals outside St. Andrews Church on Easter Road (so there may be some temporary pedestrian walkways created to facilitate this).

The new bus shelter for Vanburgh place will be installed early September,  however the existing bus stop will be kept in operation until all works are complete.

The deadline has now passed with regards the plants in the roundabout and transportation of these to new owners will be arranged.

If any local residents living near the junction would be prepared to commit to watering them regularly, some trees in giant pots could potentially be relocated to the newly widened walkway, from Leith Walk. Let us know! Quickly!

City of Edinburgh Council is currently exploring the possibility of a mural on the footway as you enter the Links from Vanburgh Place,  and also discussing the option of planting additional trees at that same location. In addition, Transport for Edinburgh are exploring the possibility of utilising the widened footway outside the former Leith Academy building to reintroduce a cycle hire station on the basis that this location is more open and may be less susceptible to vandalism.

If you have any further queries, please directly contact:

Steven Blacklaw ¦ Engineer – Transport Design & Delivery

Place ¦ Planning & Transport ¦ The City of Edinburgh Council

G4, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BG

Tel 0131 529 3252  steven.blacklaw@edinburgh.gov.uk