Update on Easter Road roundabout

Read the first response from the Council, below, to the strong email sent by Leith Links Community Council regarding the current disastrous situation at the new junction, where, since the traffic lights were switched on, there have been long delays and traffic queues in all directions, frustrations for drivers and some near misses for cyclists. Fingers crossed that we will see some improvements in a few days…..

But be assured that we will continue this conversation with the Council as necessary, and will pass on the views of local residents!

Dear Leith Links Community Council

Thank you for your email regarding the new traffic signals at the junction of Easter Road and Duke Street.

In short, works are still ongoing, including some matters relating to the traffic signals and so delays are to be expected.

With regards the traffic signals timings, these will be changed after a few days once a number of outstanding works have been completed.

The traffic signal team will also set separate plans for the different peak periods as these all change throughout the day and week. But in general its always preferred to leave the new site a few days to bed in as well before making any changes, to avoid having to make too many changes and confusing drivers.

The remainder of the road markings are still to be completed, as is the installation of vehicle detection loops and some other minor works such as creating a lay-by for the bus stop on Vanburgh Place. BT are also due to install a final cable to allow further changes to the timings to be made remotely and I’m told this will happen in the coming days. Once these are all complete the timings will be changes to suit current traffic patterns.

It’s also worth noting that the closure of Constitution Street is diverting extra traffic along Vanburgh Place but as above this will be considered within the changes to the signal timings.

Furthermore, the presence of general traffic management will also have an effect on peoples driving behaviour but the site is due to be mostly cleared by Friday afternoon.

I would therefore imagine that by the end of the working week the timings should be noticeably better and I apologise for any delays at the moment. If you have any specific comments bout the timings next week, feel free to get back in touch and I can pass them onto the team who manage the traffic signals.

Kind regards

Steven”

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