Improvement works are to begin on Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh from tomorrow (24 February), it has been announced.

The project aims to improve pedestrian access around Waverley Station. As a result of the works, vehicles heading south will be diverted away from Waverley Bridge. This means traffic will become one-way around the area to northbound traffic only, to allow for the construction of a setted raised table – an elevated section of road – on Waverley Bridge between the north and south ramps of Waverley Station. Diversions will be in place for motorists.


The scheme is expected to take around four weeks to complete.

The works are part of a £1m programme to improve pedestrian access around Waverley Station.

The first phase of works, on Market Street, were completed last year and involved the creation of a temporary taxi rank, new loading areas and a cycle lane. The second phase, which is currently underway, involves resurfacing the carriageway and widening the footways on Waverley Bridge. Upgraded drainage will also be installed, while kerb realignment, laying of sandstone and Caithness paving and improved pedestrian crossing facilities will also be delivered.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: "We appreciate that these works will inevitably cause some inconvenience for traffic heading south and we would ask for the public's patience while we get this much-needed improvement work completed.

"The new raised section will create an informal pedestrian crossing so that people leaving or arriving at the Station on foot can feel much safer about crossing Waverley Bridge."

(JP/CD)