Below is a briefings from SGN on the planned temporary closure of Bridge Road in Colinton. This issue will be discussed at the September Colinton Community Council meeting (7:30pm on the 10th of Sept in Colinton Bowling Club).

Answers to five questions I posed to the Council:

1. What will the impact on traffic be?
Has this been quantified? There is likely to be increased traffic flow on the diversion route, particularly at Craiglockhart Avenue, but unfortunately there is no alternative diversion route available. The closure is a necessity due to the location of their main and to allow a safe working zone. Closing the road will also allow them to get through this section quicker, and they have agreed to work 7am to 7pm 7 days a week.

2. What will the likely extra journey times for buses will be?
I’ll contact Lothian buses for this info and get back to you.

3. Will cyclists and pedestrians still be able to pass through the area?
Cyclists will likely be required to safely dismount. Pedestrians will have access at all times.

4. Will arrangements for deliveries and support for businesses be put in place?
Yes, these will be discussed when SGN visit the local businesses prior to commencement. They are hoping to speak to businesses before the Community Council meeting next Tuesday.

5. Will the parking restrictions also apply to “blue badge” holders
Yes.

 

From Caroline Lawrie, SGN Stakeholder and Community Manager:

As you are aware, SGN manages the network that distributes natural and green gas to 5.9 million homes and businesses across Scotland and the south of England. We also provide the gas emergency service in these areas.

We’re investing £438,000 to upgrade our gas network in the Bridge Road area of Colinton in Edinburgh.

This essential project involves replacing our old gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply for the local area for many years to come.

We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning our project. Our work will start on Saturday 12 October and will finish in early Spring 2020.

During this project it will be necessary to close the following streets to ensure everyone’s safety:

1. Bridge Road, Edinburgh 12 October 2019 for approximately 4 weeks
2. Westgarth Avenue, Edinburgh 28 October 2019 for approximately 6 weeks
3. Redford Road, Edinburgh 07 January 2020 for approximately 10 weeks

Signed local diversion routes will be in place for motorists during the road closures, and local access will be maintained for residents. Where possible, the phases of this project have been planned to coincide with school holidays, and when traffic is likely to be quieter, ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

We’ll also need to use temporary traffic lights during various stages of the project. These will be manually controlled during peak times to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Some parking suspensions will also be in place, although access to driveways will always be maintained where possible.

We’ll be working Monday to Friday between 8am – 4pm, and at weekends where required. We know that this is a busy area and wish to assure you that work will progress as quickly as possible and we’ll be doing everything we can to limit delays and disruption.

We will post regular updates on our website and using social media and traffic bulletins to keep everyone informed.