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Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street – Works and Traffic Management Update

Further to the announcement of the start of construction works from Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street below, please note key changes being implemented from Wednesday 16th February.

In order to progress works and pedestrian movement in the area the traffic management at the Queen Charlotte Street junction will change from Wednesday 16th February.  The junction will remain open under 2-way temporary traffic management for east and west bound traffic with traffic being flipped to the north side of the junction. This is expected to be in place until approximately mid-April, there after a full closure at the junction will be implemented.  To maintain traffic flow in the area the junction of Maritime Street at Bernard Street (by Café Marmalade) will open one way heading south.  You can view the traffic management arrangements for this section of works in this area here. Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street Traffic Management Plans

We will start works from Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street on 24 January 2022. Site establishment is expected to take place on the weekend of 22 and 23 January 2022.  

In developing the construction strategy for the project, the project has drawn on lessons from the first phase of tram and good practice for construction projects from other European cities. Our traffic management arrangements allow us to open large sites to enable utility and main tramway construction to be undertaken continuously. This also allows works to continue in the event of any problem being encountered during construction and fewer traffic management changes lets those affected by the works to adapt to the revised arrangements.

Construction Works

Following site establishment by Sacyr, Farrans, Neopul (SFN), Morrison Utility Services (MUS) will begin ground excavation with the clearance and diversion of any utility services and archaeological works. SFN will then commence tram infrastructure, hard landscaping and associated public realm works.

Directional signage will be displayed once the fencing has been installed and the construction site established.

Pedestrian access will be maintained but may at times change throughout the period. Construction works are expected to commence on Monday 24 January 2022 with scheduled completion of Autumn 2022.

Construction site working hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm. There may be times when out of hours works are required. Notifications of these works and any changes to pedestrian set up will be provided via the project’s website and Twitter account @TramstoNewhaven.

Traffic Management

Constitution Street will be closed both northbound and southbound between Coatfield Lane and Queen Charlotte Street. No access will be provided at these closure points for any vehicular traffic including bicycles.

Queen Charlotte Street will remain open under 2-way temporary traffic light control for east and westbound traffic for four weeks. Thereafter a full closure at the junction will be implemented. This is required to allow the diversion of a large number of complex utilities in the vicinity. In order to maintain traffic flow in the area, the junction of Maritime Street at Bernard Street (by Café Marmalade) will open one way heading south.  

View the Coatfield Lane to Queen Charlotte Street Traffic Management Plans (PDFs)

During this period there will be no access provided to vehicles including bicycles at these closure points. Diversion routes will be clearly signed for all traffic and cyclists can use the option of walking bicycles through the works using the available footpaths. Footpath closures will become necessary as works progress to allow for the hard landscaping and associated overhead lighting equipment works. Local diversions will be provided at these times.

All parking and loading provision will be suspended on Constitution Street between Laurie Street and Queen Charlotte Street and for approximately 40 metres east and 20 metres west of the Constitution St/Queen Charlotte Street Junction.

Parking restrictions will also be enforced on Maritime Street.

Vehicle access into Kirkgate House will be via Laurie Street.

Vehicle access to and from Coatfield Lane will be maintained via Laurie Street with a shuttle lane system controlled under temporary traffic signals.

Traffic management arrangements have been approved jointly with members of the city's Traffic Management Review Panel, including Lothian Buses and the emergency services. Diversion routes and advanced warning signage will be erected in the area and traffic management drawings will be available on the project website in the ‘Construction’ section. To ensure full access to properties on the west of Queen Charlotte Street for emergency and larger vehicles a parking ban on sections of Maritime Street will be in place.

The project will assess the traffic management arrangement throughout the construction period and make changes if required. 

Supporting Local Businesses & Logistic Hubs

There is a Support for Business package in place, devised in consultation with businesses in the area. Full details can be found here: Support for Business

Loading areas will be provided on Queen Charlotte Street where possible either side of the closure. The loading bay will remain on Mitchell Street to assist with deliveries and dispatches in the surrounding area. Our logistic teams will make contact with local businesses in the area to understand business requirements.

Help will also be at hand at these logistics hubs for residents expecting large deliveries such as appliances or furniture. Should you need assistance with deliveries, please call us on 0131 322 1122.

Please note these areas may be subject to change to accommodate the works.

Waste Management

During construction, communal bins will be relocated within the vicinity of their existing location. The regularity of uplifts will be increased to ensure the area is kept clean and tidy and uplifts will take place in the evening to minimise traffic in the area at peak times. All existing kerbside collections in the area will continue as normal. If you require a bulk uplift, please contact the City of Edinburgh Council’s waste service via the Council website.

Contact Us

If you have any concerns or further questions regarding these works then please contact the Trams to Newhaven project team by email on Newhaven.tram@edinburgh.gov.uk or alternatively contact our customer helpline on 0131 322 1122 (local rate Monday to Sunday 8am to 7pm).