BALFOUR Beatty has commenced work on a major new cycling and walking route linking the east and west of Edinburgh.
Once complete, the £19.4 million scheme will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the west end with a safe cycle route, whilst also ‘significantly’ enhancing streets for walkers.
Construction is expected to last 18 months and is described by the City of Edinburgh Council as ‘leading the way’ in sustainable building through measures to cut carbon emissions.
Site compounds will utilise EcoSense cabins in conjunction with an ECONET power management system, which ‘significantly’ reduces energy consumption and water usage. Project officers will also use e-bikes rather than cars to travel between the site compound and works areas wherever possible, and cycle training has been provided as part of this.
Scott Ritchie, senior project manager at Balfour Beatty, said, “We are pleased to be working with the City of Edinburgh Council to deliver this incredibly important scheme which will transform the way people travel, moving from a reliance on cars to active travel.
“The City Centre West to East Link route will reimagine our public spaces in Edinburgh; positively impacting local communities and residents by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in the city centre and driving down carbon emissions.”
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, added, “I’m thrilled that we’re now delivering the CCWEL, one of the largest pieces of safe walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure the capital has seen yet. It’s been really exciting to visit the site and see work get underway – before long, this route will benefit so many people walking, wheeling and cycling to and from the city.”
