Traffic chaos warning as major road set for 9 months' work

DRIVERS are being warned of traffic chaos on one of the main routes out of Edinburgh as major roadworks begin on Lothian Road.

The works, which will start on Monday and are expected to last for nine months, are being carried out by Scotland Gas Networks to replace Tollcross' ageing cast-iron gas pipes.

More than a kilometre of existing pipes will be dug up and replaced with modern polyethylene pipes in a 750,000 maintenance project by the pipeline operator.

Motorists were today told to leave extra time for journeys in the area or use alternative routes across the city.

Sharron Miller-McKenzie, from Scotland Gas Networks, said the scale of the work would mean delays, although she stressed it would be a small price to pay for the "essential work".

She added: "We understand that maintenance works on this scale will naturally cause concern and there will be disruption to traffic.

"However, we are very mindful of the effects that these works will have on residents and motorists in the city and we hope they will realise that this is essential work that will create a safe and reliable gas supply.

"Our main priority is safety and this is a huge investment on our part that will benefit a lot of people when it is completed.

"Although it will cause traffic problems, we hope that these will be kept to a minimum and would really appreciate people's patience while the work is being carried out."

Driving organisations have also warned drivers about the disruption that will be caused by the works, which will be carried out in 11 stages and will affect Lothian Road, Morrison Street, Earl Grey Street and Bread Street.

The first area to be affected from Monday will be around the Lothian Road and Morrison Street junction.

Bruce Young, the Edinburgh and Lothians co-ordinator of the Association of British Motorists, said the works would cause "massive disruption".

He said: "This is one of the main roads in Edinburgh and one of the main routes in and out of the city centre. Any roadworks are going to have a major effect on traffic, but this one will go on for 36 weeks and will have a much greater effect.

"These roadworks will be going on through the Christmas and New Year period, which is one of the busiest times for Edinburgh.

"Undoubtedly, this kind of work has to be done, but the length of time involved will really hit motorists. It goes without saying that it is going to cause pure traffic chaos."

The work has been planned following extensive consultation with the council's roads department. Temporary traffic restrictions, including lane closures and local diversions are expected to be in operation.

Councillor Bob Cairns, the council's executive member for environment and streetscape, said: "This type of long-term project by utility companies is disruptive for residents, businesses and motorists using the route. However, it is necessary work that must be carried out on the grounds of public safety.

"I can assure everyone that the council has been working with Scotia Gas Networks to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum wherever possible and we will be continuously monitoring the site to ensure this is the case."