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Leith Walk Project

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Dear Stakeholder,

    Update 81 – Phase 4 - Pilrig Street to McDonald Road

    Traffic Regulation Order – Pilrig Street to McDonald Road

    A report is being prepared for the 12 January 2016 meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee, following the statutory consultation processes completed for Phase 4 (between Pilrig Street and McDonald Road). Once this is available in the public domain, generally a week prior to Committee, we will send you a link.

    Council Report and Leith Programme Phase 4

    At last Thursday’s meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council, a report ‘Edinburgh Tram Extension – Next Steps’ was considered. Whilst a report on the proposed tram extension to Newhaven is due to be considered in Spring/Summer 2017, it was agreed that in the meantime, preparatory ‘enabling’ work will be carried out as an integrated part of the Leith Programme. This will avoid unnecessary future duplication of work, should the extension go ahead. Council also agreed to merge the Tram and Leith Programme projects from this point forward. The two projects will now develop a programme for the delivery of Phase 4 (Pilrig Street to McDonald Road) including enabling works, and confirm this to you in due course. Please look out for further email updates from us in early 2016.

    Regards from all the Leith Programme team, and best wishes over the festive period,

    "

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Is it possible to red between the lines on this and extrapolate that now the decision to extend the tram has been delayed until after the 2017 council elections that any improvements to the road south of Pilrig have also been deferred?

    By which I mean do we need to suffer at least another 2 years of the worst cycling surfaces this side of the moon?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. dougal
    Member

    @kaputnik

    I am worried that your interpretation is closer to the truth than we'd like. What does "enabling work" entail, exactly --- does it mean everything up to but not including work that would be undone by tram works?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  4. crowriver
    Member

    My interpretation is that they will carry out any remaining utilities diversions, strengthening of bridges, etc. as part of the Leith Programme while they are resurfacing and reallocating road space/footways.

    Makes sense!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  5. Murun Buchstansangur
    Member

    "Makes sense!"

    But indubitably it also means much longer to wait for any improvements, if the last "enabling works" are anything to go by.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    "

    The American chain’s trademark branding is clearly shown on designs submitted as part of “proposed alterations” to a shop front on Shrub Place.

    "

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/starbucks-set-to-open-first-leith-walk-store-1-4022109

    Posted 8 years ago #

  7. kaputnik
    Moderator

    If you looked at what they're asking for the rents and the terms of lease on the new shop units in the student towers at Shrubhill, you'll probably quickly see why it's not a small, local business moving in.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  8. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Morvern Cunningham (@morvc)
    03/02/2016, 11:04 pm
    On the subject of Starbucks on #Leith Walk, does anyone understand what this @Edinburgh_CC consultation is about? https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/leith-town-centre/consult_view

    "

    Posted 8 years ago #

  9. Murun Buchstansangur
    Member

    Noted this in today's Broughton Spurtle.

    Glad that Leith Central CC recognise that "potholes in the unimproved section of Leith Walk [are] a risk to life and completely unacceptable".

    "Critics say the plans are further skewed because Sustrans funding unduly prioritises cyclists, pedestrians and public transport." sounds Gregsonesque however...

    http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/sites/broughtonspurtle.org.uk/files/backissues/Spurtle%20249%20Final%20High%20Res-2.pdf

    "DON’T BOTCH TOP OF THE WALK IMPROVEMENTS

    Many locals are worried about the final phase of the Leith Walk Improvement Programme south of Pilrig Street.

    During earlier phases, CEC officials have discussed plans and made compromises with residents on nearby streets. But now it is feared CEC pressure to accommodate trams and Picardy Place development and the new St James Quarter may result in botched decisions.

    A potential no-right-turn into Leith Walk from London Road was cited at last month’s NTBCC meeting as an example. So too was reduced access into and out of Blenheim Place that would result from the mooted removal of a pedestrian refuge.
    Critics say the plans are further skewed because Sustrans funding unduly prioritises cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

    LCCC members are dismayed by the prospect of further delays in the Programme. Last month they described potholes in the unimproved section of Leith Walk as a risk to life and completely unacceptable. They urged local councillors to push again for speedy repairs."

    Posted 8 years ago #

  10. chdot
    Admin

    "

    But now it is feared CEC pressure to accommodate trams and Picardy Place development and the new St James Quarter may result in botched decisions.

    "

    Feared?!!

    Obviously one person's "botched decision" is another person/group's 'necessary compromise/genuine improvement'.

    Once again it's unclear whether the 'problem' is the conventional 'traffic must get through' or 'lack of vision for better' - or indeed whether what 'we' (inc Sustrans) might want is 'too much'?!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  11. PS
    Member

    The problem seems to be "we fear change", or "we don't trust the council to do anything right"...

    Each to their own:
    CriticsSupporters say the plans are further skewed because Sustrans funding unduly sensibly prioritises cyclists, pedestrians and public transport.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  12. Morningsider
    Member

    Can you "unduly prioritise" the majority of people?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  13. chdot
    Admin

    "Can you "unduly prioritise" the majority of people?"

    Of course!

    When -

    A) many of the people comprising the major don't realise what is in their interest. (And that of their friends/neighbours).

    B) politicians/officials define their own versions of 'majority'.

    C) politicians/officials are bold enough to ignore the apparent wishes of the 'majority' (rare).

    A helps with B...

    Posted 8 years ago #

  14. crowriver
    Member

    "Critics say the plans are further skewed because Sustrans funding fails to sufficiently prioritise single occupant private motor vehicles."

    FTFY

    35% of ALL JOURNEYS in Scotland are made by drivers alone in their vehicles. That rises to 55% of all journeys to work.*

    Drivers on their own are clearly VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE and everyone else should GET OUT OF THE WAY.

    * - Source Scottish Transport Statistics. Edinburgh figures probably somewhat different.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  15. mgj
    Member

    Back on the bike yesterday after a winter break for various reasons. I can confirm that the surface is no better and that the northern half of the bike lanes are an obstacle course of double parked vehicles. Difficult to assume that any of these will be dealt with when a polis car is one of them. Nearly always outside of a space though, so its not about space usage. La Favourita seem to have improved and Dominos got worse in terms of parking thus far. Lets see how tonight goes.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  16. acsimpson
    Member

    Critics say the plans unduly continue the mistakes from the century of the car and that a central line of buildings should be constructed along Leith Walk leaving space for trams, bikes pedestrians and other forms of transport proven suitable for inner cities while also creating much needed space for housing and small businesses to flourish.

    Have I gone too far?

    Posted 8 years ago #

  17. mgj
    Member

    @acsimpson are you really suggesting that the grand boulevard could do with becoming a dark and gloomy pair of narrow lanes? Yes that is too far.

    I'll be cross if arguing over the perfection of the design holds up the basic maintenance of the road surface for me as a cyclist for the next two years.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  18. acsimpson
    Member

    @mgj, I'm no arguing for it, just pointing out that all tht until space is removed from the car drivers nothing else can be considered unfair

    Posted 8 years ago #

  19. acsimpson
    Member

    Oops, just reread that now that I'm not on my phone and noticed how badly typed it was.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  20. crowriver
    Member

    Spotted a cheery "enjoy Edinburgh on foot and by bike" placard round a lamp post on the pavement near London Road roundabout. Close by is a long guard rail and then the roundabout beyond. Apart from the cyclist mincer of a roundabout, the only way to cross on foot is a series of staggered pelican crossings which often leave you stranded in the middle of four lanes of traffic. Hardly an enjoyable environment for cyclists or pedestrians...

    Posted 8 years ago #

  21. chdot
    Admin

    "

    It is thought extending the trams to Newhaven would take six years to complete. Preparation works – including setting up a project team, site investigation and starting footway enabling works on Leith Walk – are set to take place over the next 18 months at a cost of £3.25m.

    "

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/20m-newhaven-tram-plan-to-potential-detriment-of-bus-service-1-4081105

    Posted 8 years ago #

  22. chdot
    Admin

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/leith/leith-walk-pigeons-will-be-cooped-up-two-more-years-1-4095326

    Posted 8 years ago #

  23. neddie
    Member

    """
    Subject: Leith Programme Phase 4 (Pilrig Street to McDonald Road) - Segregation detail between cycleway and footway
    To:

    Dear All,

    Following meetings with a range of area user groups to discuss construction design issues in advance of the commencement of Phase 4 of the Leith Programme works, a technical and functional assessment was carried out with regards to finalising the cycleway/footway segregation detail to be delivered in the next section of the project. The assessment highlighted a preference for an option where segregation is achieved by the use of materials including a clear delineator strip of textured paving as opposed to distinct changes in level. The assessment not only examined technical benefits and merits of each approach but also took into account safety and operational/functional considerations for key user groups. On this basis, a decision has therefore been taken by the project team to progress this option for Phase 4 of the Leith Programme works.

    We would like to thank everyone who fed their views into these discussions and if you have any queries or require further information then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    Regards
    Alan
    """

    I'm not sure what they mean by "textured paving", but that sounds like something you can easily drive over the top of (unlike a kerb) - not good(?!)

    Posted 8 years ago #

  24. wingpig
    Member

    Hopefully it just means the segregation between the cycle and footways, not the cycle and roadway.
    I experimentally went up the cycle lane in the Dalmeny St - Iona St section the other day; it's very noticeable how it drifts off to the left at the last bit and leads into the gutter, so it's about time they got round to doing the segregated bit south of Pilrig St.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  25. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Alex Wilson, chair of the Leith Business Association, said the charges could help to boost trade by accelerating the turnover of vehicles parking along Leith Walk.

    “Someone parked all day on Leith Walk means a space that could be used half a dozen times is taken up. The overriding principle is about creating footfall but until we try this we won’t know the outcome.”

    "

    http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/transport-chiefs-to-close-parking-charges-loophole-1-3062290

    "

    Check date!!

    Posted 8 years ago #

  26. LivM
    Member

    Neil Greig says "o waily waily gonnae no dae that"

    Posted 8 years ago #

  27. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Spokes CycleCampaign (@SpokesLothian)
    05/07/2016, 10:52 am
    #LeithWalk Pilrig - MacDonald Rd final segregated plans --> http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/1606-Phase_4_Existing_Proposed_TRO_June_2016_final.pdf Work starts September

    "

    Posted 8 years ago #

  28. chdot
    Admin

    Have to say I'm underwhelmed.

    Cycle lane jinks around refuse bins.

    Why is the 'red surfacing' (chips?) not continuous across McDonald Road?

    Proposed reduction in parking/loading won't be popular...

    Posted 8 years ago #

  29. mgj
    Member

    Who is this for? So neither fish nor fowl; not off road so wont encourage nervous cyclists, but with constant jinking around on the downwards part, and weird not quite a priority over side roads on the upwards half. If the bus lane gets resurfaced, I'll just use that thanks.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  30. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Leith Programme Stakeholder Update 83 - Pilrig Street to McDonald Road anticipated timescales

    Dear Stakeholder,
    Stakeholder Update 83 – Leith Programme Phase 4 (Pilrig Street to McDonald Road)
    Anticipated timescales
    We would like to let you know that we are on course to commence the next phase of the Leith Programme works this Summer as previously reported in our last stakeholder update. Following the Council’s approving of the making of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and Redetermination Order (RSO) at the Transport and Environment Committee of 7th June 2016, the team have been working hard to complete the procurement process to appoint the contractor for the forthcoming section of works and we are confident that work will start in late August/early September. Once we have selected the successful contractor we will, of course, share this with you and will carry out a large scale letter drop over the wider area to ensure people are kept fully informed. It is anticipated that the works will take around 10 months to complete.
    Latest Plans
    You can view the latest plans (July 2016) for the Pilrig Street to McDonald Road section on our dedicated Leith Programme web page.
    SGN (formerly Scottish Gas Networks) mains replacement upgrade
    SGN will be upgrading their gas network in the Brunswick Place area in August 2016 and this will involve the replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable supply to homes and businesses in the area for many years to come. We have been working very closely with them to ensure co-ordination between both sets of works in order to reduce overall disruption and to ensure that the gas main is replaced prior to any road resurfacing taking place in the Pilrig Street to McDonald Road section. SGN anticipate that their project will last approximately 12 weeks and the co-ordinated work plans will mean that the Leith Programme will commence as planned while they complete the remainder of their works outwith our working area and up towards Elm Row. I attach a copy of the SGN leaflet detailing their project that has been distributed to people in the immediate area. If you have any specific enquiries regarding these utilities works please contact SGN directly using the details provided on the leaflet.
    We hope you find all the above information useful and if you are looking for any further information the Leith Programme then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
    Regards
    Alan

    "

    Posted 8 years ago #

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