News
Portobello High St Closure details
10 Nov 2008
Portobello High Street to close to traffic for essential roadworksPortobello High Street will be closed to through traffic at its junction with King?s Road roundabout for approximately six weeks from Saturday 15 November.
A local diversion route will be in place through Baileyfield Industrial Estate to maintain two way access to and from residences, shops and businesses in Portobello High Street and King?s Road.
All existing bus services through Portobello will use this diversion and will continue to serve most of Portobello High Street.
The closure is necessary to allow workers to complete the final stage of a £2 million project to replace the Seafield roundabout, at the end of the High Street.
City council transport staff are asking motorists to check details of the impending diversions and use alternative routes where possible.
Transport Convenor Cllr Phil Wheeler said:
?Although our original intention was to keep all five roads at the roundabout open using temporary traffic signals this did not operate as well as we had hoped resulting in serious safety concerns and lengthy delays.
?As a result and after consulting with Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian Buses we have decided that it would be unsafe to carry out the work while allowing traffic to continue to use all five roads.
?Whilst we regret the inconvenience we believe this is the most practical way to get the work completed swiftly and safely. We are continuing to ensure that those who live and work in the area are kept informed.
?We would ask motorists to examine the diversion routes carefully.?
Locally-owned shops, cafes and bistros are still open for business and will very much welcome continued patronage. Portobello High Street may be temporarily shut at the Kings Road junction, but shoppers can take advantage of the calmer environment and continue to enjoy all of the shops.
The closure of Portobello High Street will mean that Seafield roundabout will effectively change into a signalised T-junction for the remainder of the roadworks with Seafield Road East, Sir Harry Lauder Road and Portobello Road remaining open.
The right turn from Seafield Road East into Portobello Road will be temporarily prohibited, so Seafield Road East and Sir Harry Lauder Road traffic can pass through at the same time which will improve safety and reduce delays at the junction.
The diversion routes will be signed.
For full details of what we will do to maintain traffic flow and road safety while the diversion is operating go to:
http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Transport/Roads/Roadworks/CEC_diversion_routes_from_roadworks
