http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: St Mark’s Park Bridge shut (Powderhall) en Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:27:47 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-386043 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:33:50 +0000 chdot 386043@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://powderhall.link/2026/10/05/further-delays-on-st-marks-park-bridge/" rel="nofollow">https://powderhall.link/2026/10/05/further-delays-on-st-marks-park-bridge/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385902 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:54:25 +0000 LaidBack 385902@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>All good news and a side benefit of having started the campaign. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385900 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:46:08 +0000 chdot 385900@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Yesterday City of Edinburgh Green Councillor Chas Booth had a couple of questions answered<br /> …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..<br /> Question (1) Given that it may be several years until the St Mark’s Park bridge is repaired or replaced, and given this is a vital part of our active travel infrastructure, will the Convener please outline what steps the council is taking to explore the installation of a temporary diversion path?</p> <p>Answer (1) Officers from Parks are actively looking at options for a temporary diversion path. A temporary diversion was previously put in place, because of the development works, and this option is being revisited alongside the option referred to in the response to question 2.</p> <p>Question (2) Specifically, has the council considered the feasibility of using the existing Powderhall railway bridge opposite Redbraes Park to connect the Water of Leith path to Broughton Road?</p> <p>Answer (2) Officers are currently considering whether this option is feasible and will report back, via a business bulletin item, at the October meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee.<br /> ………………………………………………………………………</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://powderhall.link/2026/09/18/small-steps-forward-and-maybe-a-ramp/" rel="nofollow">https://powderhall.link/2026/09/18/small-steps-forward-and-maybe-a-ramp/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385833 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:41:18 +0000 chdot 385833@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>QUESTION NO 12 </p> <p>By Councillor Booth for answer by the Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee at a meeting of the Council on 17 September 2026</p> <p>Given that it may be several years until the St Mark's Park bridge is repaired or replaced, and given this is a vital part of our active travel infrastructure, will the Convener please outline what steps the council is taking to explore the<br /> installation of a temporary diversion path?</p> <p>Specifically, has the council considered the feasibility of using the existing Powderhall railway bridge opposite Redbraes Park to connect the Water of Leith path to Broughton Road</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s103391/Item%2010.12%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Booth%20-%20St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s103391/Item%2010.12%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Booth%20-%20St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge.pdf</a></p> <p>By coincidence WoLCT posted a picture of litter picking on the track to the bridge on BS on Thursday </p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wolct.bsky.social/post/3mv6vse7bmk2n" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/wolct.bsky.social/post/3mv6vse7bmk2n</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385686 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:58:20 +0000 chdot 385686@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/beloved-police-box-cafes-future-under-threat-following-soul-crushing-bridge-closure-8951459?ref=edinburghminute.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/beloved-police-box-cafes-future-under-threat-following-soul-crushing-bridge-closure-8951459?ref=edinburghminute.com</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385653 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:43:36 +0000 chdot 385653@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>The most-visited links from the last newsletter: </p> <p>1: Spurtle: <a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/no-new-powderhall-footbridge-until-2028?ref=edinburghminute.com">No new Powderhall bridge until 2028</a>. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburgh-minute-monday-31-august-2026/?ref=the-edinburgh-minute-newsletter" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburgh-minute-monday-31-august-2026/?ref=the-edinburgh-minute-newsletter</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841&page=2#post-385651 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:47:07 +0000 bakky 385651@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Covered in August full council roundup on edi.bike:</p> <p><a href="https://edi.bike/articles/2026-08-28-full-council-roundup/#motion-8-9-by-councillor-caldwell-st-marks-park-bridge-closure-plus-two-further-questions" rel="nofollow">https://edi.bike/articles/2026-08-28-full-council-roundup/#motion-8-9-by-councillor-caldwell-st-marks-park-bridge-closure-plus-two-further-questions</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385650 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:16:47 +0000 chdot 385650@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Structural report, which I’ve only just got round to noticing </p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/story/63463%20Engineer%20Report.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/default/files/story/63463%20Engineer%20Report.pdf</a></p> <p>More info</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/powderhall-bridge-closed" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/powderhall-bridge-closed</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/no-new-powderhall-footbridge-until-2028" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/no-new-powderhall-footbridge-until-2028</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385648 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:33:13 +0000 chdot 385648@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55497214194_3ac64ca82c_z.jpg"></p> <p>Red circle around <a href="http://Powderhall.Link">Powderhall.Link</a> rail bridge </p> <p>Blue line closed path to St. Mark’s Park</p> <p>Yellow lines potential (would be fenced off) routes from Broughton Road to existing bridge and NEPN</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55494812017_815fb840d3_b.jpg"></p> <p>View from near to bridge across CEC owned site (waiting for CEC planning permission for CEC housing) to Powderhall Stables and Broughton Road</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55495787991_8fe0d6f7e7_b.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385643 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 08:38:34 +0000 chdot 385643@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Completely unrelated and probably more difficult/expensive </p> <p>“</p> <p>Major repairs to historic Kelvin Aqueduct which sprung a leak will keep Forth &amp; Clyde Canal closed for a year</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/major-repairs-to-historic-kelvin-aqueduct-which-sprung-a-leak-will-keep-forth-clyde-canal-closed-for-a-year-8945205" rel="nofollow">https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/major-repairs-to-historic-kelvin-aqueduct-which-sprung-a-leak-will-keep-forth-clyde-canal-closed-for-a-year-8945205</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385642 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 08:20:25 +0000 chdot 385642@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ Yodhrin</p> <p>That is an excellent summary </p> <p>I know at least one councillor has written to top transport official to ask if CEC is considering idea above</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385604" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385604</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385641 Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:44:14 +0000 Yodhrin 385641@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't get the council tbh, this isn't just some little out of the way "nice to have" footbridge, the existing alternative is much longer and not suitable for many types of people who have limited mobility or need mobility aids, and accessing that end of McDonald Road via the park is the only relatively low-traffic, relatively flat route by bike from North Edinburgh into town unless you want to go all the way around the steep hills via Roseburn or the Foot of the Walk.</p> <p>I'd agree with the comment that temporary reinforcement while a long term solution is found is an obvious approach, but of course This Is Edinburgh. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385627 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:43:41 +0000 gembo 385627@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Classic Spurtle - some regrettably accept the bridge Needs to close then Four strong criticisms ending with and some say the council has now spent more on closure gates recently than it spent on maintenance over the last few years. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385626 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:31:17 +0000 chdot 385626@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Some irritably allege that the Council has now spent more on emergency blocking of the bridge (see image below) than it did on maintenance for the past few years.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/no-new-powderhall-footbridge-until-2028?" rel="nofollow">https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/no-new-powderhall-footbridge-until-2028?</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385604 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:07:25 +0000 chdot 385604@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not forgetting there IS an alternative </p> <p>“</p> <p><em>In theory</em> a path could created from Broughton Road behind Powderhall Stables onto the bridge over the WoL and then join the NEPN paths. Another option would be via Redbraes Park</p> <p><em>In reality</em> such joined-up-thinking might be ‘too difficult’…</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://powderhall.link/2026/08/15/cec-writes-to-sg/" rel="nofollow">https://powderhall.link/2026/08/15/cec-writes-to-sg/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385603 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:34:51 +0000 chdot 385603@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Item no 10.9</p> <p>By Councillor Caldwell for answer by<br /> the Convener of the Culture and<br /> Communities Committee at a<br /> meeting of the Council on 27 August<br /> 2026</p> <p>Does the Convener agree with me that the bridge leading<br /> between Broughton Road and St Mark’s Park is a key active<br /> travel link for the northeast of the city, affecting thousands of<br /> residents’ access to greenspace as well as a vital walking,<br /> wheeling and cycling route?</p> <p><em>While we do not hold data on the extent of use of the bridge<br /> at St Mark’s Park, it is acknowledged to be an important<br /> route for active travel and for access to and from the park.</em></p> <p>Acknowledging the seriousness of the inspection report, can<br /> the Convener confirm that bridge repair or replacement<br /> remains a top priority for the Parks Department?</p> <p><em>The Parks and Openspace team are working with the<br /> Structures team to understand the extent of the structural<br /> report. It is highly likely that a full bridge replacement will be<br /> required. This is a high priority. Officers are seeking cost<br /> estimates for full replacement. There is no current timetable<br /> for reopening. </em></p> <p>Is it envisioned that additional funding will be required to<br /> reopen the bridge? [/i]</p> <p><em>Additional funding will be required to install a new bridge.<br /> Officers are exploring cost estimates just now to inform<br /> budget decisions.</em></p> <p>Have other departments, such as the Active Travel<br /> department, been approached due to it being on Quiet<br /> Route 20 and neighbouring to CMP Project rank #9<br /> (Powderhall Junction)?</p> <p><em>All relevant departments are aware of this closure and the<br /> impact that it is having.</em></p> <p>Question (5) Answer (5) Is the Convener able to give an indicative timescale for re-<br /> opening?</p> <p><em>Officers will need to establish budget and undertake<br /> procurement of a new bridge. This is likely to take several<br /> months. Once tendered, the successful contractor will need<br /> to manufacture and install the bridge, which is likely to also<br /> take several months. Public utilities are understood to cross<br /> within the deck structure, and these will need to be diverted.<br /> If funding is not available until the new financial year, i.e.,<br /> April 2027, then realistically, a new bridge would not be<br /> installed and open until at least early 2028.</p> <p>Once approximate costs of a replacement structure are<br /> known, and funding has been identified, Officers will provide<br /> a written briefing to Transport and Environment members<br /> and Ward Councillors. This will outline a timetable for<br /> design, construction, and installation and intended to inform<br /> budget setting and allocation for 2027/28.<br /> </em><br /> “</p> <p><a href="https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/b28470/Questions%20and%20Answers%2027th-Aug-2026%2010.00%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20Council.pdf?T=9" rel="nofollow">https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/b28470/Questions%20and%20Answers%2027th-Aug-2026%2010.00%20City%20of%20Edinburgh%20Council.pdf?T=9</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385514 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:37:17 +0000 chdot 385514@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>In theory a path could created from Broughton Road behind Powderhall Stables onto the bridge over the WoL and then join the NEPN paths. Another option would be via Redbraes Park In reality such joined-up-thinking might be ‘too difficult’…<br /> “</p> <p><a href="https://powderhall.link/2026/08/15/cec-writes-to-sg/" rel="nofollow">https://powderhall.link/2026/08/15/cec-writes-to-sg/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385513 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:03:54 +0000 wingpig 385513@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote><em>"A public conversation on the preferred layout."</em></blockquote></p> <p>I'll have to dig around to see if I can find my saved opinions on that engagement. It wasn't apparent that the people who had created the layout had realised that there's a significant slope up to the junction at the end of McDonald Road and the usual thing about cyclists not being able to rotate around a vertical axis somewhere around their chainring to accommodate sharp right-angled turns on narrow channels. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385510 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:17:28 +0000 chdot 385510@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>By Councillor Caldwell for answer by the Convener of the Culture and Communities Committee at a meeting of the Council on 27 August 2026 </p> <p>Does the Convener agree with me that the bridge leading between Broughton Road and St Mark’s Park is a key active travel link for the northeast of the city, affecting thousands of residents’ access to greenspace as well as a vital walking, wheeling and cycling route? </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s102125/Item%2010.9%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Caldwell%20-St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge%20Repair%20Prioritisation.pdf?ref=edinburghminute.com" rel="nofollow">https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s102125/Item%2010.9%20-%20By%20Councillor%20Caldwell%20-St%20Marks%20Park%20Bridge%20Repair%20Prioritisation.pdf?ref=edinburghminute.com</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385359 Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:56 +0000 chdot 385359@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don’t think this has been mentioned on.CCE before</p> <p>“<br /> Powderhall Junction A public conversation on the preferred layout. </p> <p>City of Edinburgh Council | September 2024 </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5095ece461fb4ddb89142ddb8e938f79" rel="nofollow">https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5095ece461fb4ddb89142ddb8e938f79</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385179 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:58:01 +0000 chdot 385179@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Had a ‘tour’ yesterday</p> <p>Bridge/route finally ‘secure’ - chain and padlock on large gates at Broughton Road (could have been done weeks ago)</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55418796536_943f9be9cf_c.jpg"></p> <p>Other end ‘secure enough’ unless anyone is desperate to stand on bridge </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385165 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:37:25 +0000 chdot 385165@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“will just so happen to coincide with the end of said construction works”</p> <p>Well</p> <p>‘Good’ news is that <em>that</em> may not be as long as you think</p> <p>While there is activity on both sides of the path, it’s only the (former) bowling green site that is being built on. The development on the larger site is on hold</p> <p>It will be interesting to see if/how much access to Redbraes Park (and then Broughton Road) is improved by locals</p> <p>At present it’s a moderately well used access by adventurous/agile people </p> <p>More problematic for people with bikes</p> <p>Of course this limited access option might be removed by ‘the authorities’ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385164 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:34:05 +0000 Yodhrin 385164@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They could have the existing bridge knocked down and a temporary Bailey bridge in place inside a week while they look for a longer term solution, but I suspect nobody at the council is in any great hurry to do anything since they didn't want St Marks Path open during the construction on the adjacent site anyway and only reopened it on sufferance. Won't be surprised if, miraculously, any timescale they come up with for getting it sorted out will just so happen to coincide with the end of said construction works. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385159 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:18:12 +0000 chdot 385159@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/fears-popular-cycle-route-could-be-closed-for-years-after-serious-structural-issues-found-in-bridge-8817939" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/fears-popular-cycle-route-could-be-closed-for-years-after-serious-structural-issues-found-in-bridge-8817939</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385077 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:20:50 +0000 chdot 385077@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Shutish </p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SanneLibDem/photos/d41d8cd9/1329925796017897/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/SanneLibDem/photos/d41d8cd9/1329925796017897/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385050 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:06:39 +0000 wingpig 385050@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Does that bollard come out and to the wee vans which empty bins ever go across it? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385048 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 16:08:46 +0000 bakky 385048@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd say it's notable the barrier is still there (right of photo). If this was officially open again, they'd have removed the barrier from site? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385036 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:33:52 +0000 chdot 385036@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“reinspected after actual repair”</p> <p>Well suggestion was ’serious structural issues’ so assume not… </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385033 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:02:58 +0000 gembo 385033@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Reinspected and things settled or reinspected after actual repair</p> <p>The bridge on the WoL path at the one hole golf course is closed. But this closure is ignored </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21841#post-385032 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:52:06 +0000 chdot 385032@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55384791776_64f300258c_z.jpg"></p> <p>(Yesterday)</p> <p>So</p> <p>Reinspected and declared safe?</p> <p>Didn’t mention before, but when the last Critical Mass went to St. Mark’s Park, there was a guy hanging about who said he was the engineer who had inspected the bridge and said it was unsafe and STRONGLY said that 100 bikes weren’t ‘allowed’ to cross the bridge </p> <p>CM organisers had already decided to alter route out of Park </p>