Should Craigleith Drive underpass be closed to cars?

Pedestrian safety under the bridge over Craigleith Drive was raised at the Murrayfield Community Council meeting of 27 August 2024 (as it has been in the past and at Craigleith/Blackhall Community Council). City Council Officers regard the cheapest way to 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 awaits the formal consultation process.

[Sources: minutes of meeting of 27 August 2024]

[Image credit: (c) H Ross