Craigleith Drive Pedestrian Safety

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Speed humps and signage works are scheduled for budget year 2025/6, as shown in the plans above. The plans include pavement buildouts, a speed bump either side of the tunnel and upgraded electronic lights. They are due to be implemented by March 2026. A previous proposal to create a raised pavement/carriageway through the tunnel was rejected.

Previously:

The tunnel on Craigleith Drive runs under the Roseburn path (and marks the boundary between two community councils: Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council; and Murrayfield Community Council). Pedestrians and all road traffic share the narrow section of road surface giving rise to some unique issues.

In 2004, the Craigleith Drive Tunnel was included in the Safer Routes to Schools initiative, and the red surface through the tunnel was introduced, the road markings were improved and pedestrian activated flashing lights installed. These improvements made a considerable difference, but the tunnel remained a concern for pedestrians with several local residents reporting safety concerns whilst walking through the tunnel.

[18-09-2024] Pedestrian safety in the tunnel was raised at the Murrayfield Community Council meeting of 27 August 2024 (as it has been in the past and at Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council). City Council Officers regarded the cheapest way to further improve pedestrian safety is to close Craigleith Drive to through-motor-traffic, an initiative which has recently been proposed. The Community Council was asked to take a view against closure and in favour of a pedestrian crossing. The crossing had previously been deemed too expensive by the City Council. However, following a deputation by Blinkbonny Neighbourhood Watch to the City Council's Transport and Environment Committee, Cllr Scott Arthur (Chair) has asked that this be reconsidered. The arguments against closing Craigleith Drive were: that it would result in traffic being channeled elsewhere – particularly Craigleith Crescent and Orchard Road South; and that the Craigleith Drive junction with Queensferry Road provided a safer (left-turning) route for local drivers heading to Craigleith Retail Park than did Craigleith Crescent. Closure had been rejected 20 years ago when considered as part of the Safer Routes to Schools initiative. The Community Council took no immediate view and awaited the formal consultation process.

[20-12-24] It was reported at the Community Council meeting of 10 December 2024 that the Local Traffic Improvement team at the City Council had suggested raising the carriageway within the tunnel and building out three of the four pavement approaches, among other improvements. There were still questions but local campaigners were pleased at these proposals. They, along with the Community Council, were objecting to a proposal to close the tunnel to through traffic.

[Sources: minutes of meetings of 27 August 2024, 12 December 2024, 24 June 2025; LJHudson 22 August 2025]

[Image credits: (c) H Ross (photo) & City of Edinburgh Council (plan]