PARTS ofthe Shore roadin Edinburgh will be closed for three days asresurfacingwork is completed at the junction with Tolbooth Wynd and Sandport Place.
The junction will be resurfaced as part of a drive to make Leith’s streets and community spaces more accessible and comfortable to anyone “walking, wheeling, or cycling”.
A letter sent out to locals detailed when the junction and road will be closed and the council later clarified that the section of the junction to be resurfaced is paved over with asphalt, not stone setts.
Local access to Tolbooth Wynd for residents’ vehicles approaching from the south will be maintained during the time of the works – starting on Monday – but otherwise traffic will be redirected back around Giles Street and out onto Great Junction Street.
The works are being completed by Balfour Beatty, coordinating with the City of Edinburgh Council and Transport Scotland on the project.
Speaking today, Council leader Jane Meagher said: “As part of the Leith Connections project we’re pressing ahead with resurfacing works on the asphalt carriageway at the junction around Henderson Street and Tolbooth Wynd.
“This will fix potholes and improve the road for all users. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained over the two day works period.”
Separate works will also be completed on the Shore by MacKenzie Construction at the same time.
These works are being converged to minimise disruption on locals.
A letter sent out to residents signed off by Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, and Balfour Beatty said: “We are changing streets in Leith with new community spaces and making it more comfortable for anyone walking, wheeling, or cycling.
“From the 20 to 22 (sic), Balfour Beatty resurfacing the carriageway (sic) at the junction of Shore with Sandport Place and Tolbooth Wynd.
“Separate works will be being undertaken by Mackenzie Construction on Shore at the same time. We are combining these works to minimise impact on the community.
“Shore will be closed for motor vehicles between Henderson Street and Commercial Street.”
The works will begin on Monday and are expected to last 2-3 days.
The junction of the Shore and Tolbooth Wynd will be closed during the day from 7am to 6pm for the duration.
Meagher continued: “The wider project is about making it easier and safer for walking, wheeling, and cycling in the north of our city – whilst improving our streets and community spaces for the benefit of all.
“We’ll continue to promote Leith and the north of Edinburgh more widely as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and do business in.”
The Shore Road, which runs alongside the Water of Leith, will also be closed to motor vehicles for the duration of the works.
The cobbled streets of the Shore are one of the area’s defining features, with many feeling that the beauty spot would not be the same without them.
However, it is well-documented that cobbled streets create significant obstacles and hazards for cyclists and wheelchair users.
Only the asphalt section of the junction will be affected by these works, however.
But with separate roadworks ongoing on the rest of the cobbled street, it is conceivable that their appearance could be affected.
The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for comment.
The postFamous cobbled street in Leith to be closed for resurfacing worksappeared first onDeadline News.
