The Trams to Newhaven team have published their latest newsletter which details the Leith Walk roadworks, new bins arrangements and an incoming cycle-lane. We have posted the Leith Central-related plaintext below but you can sign up for the alerts directly by going to edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven

Leith Walk
The establishment of the construction site from London Road to Crown Place is ongoing. The city bound lane is operational. Please visit our project website for further information on the traffic management arrangements. Details of Lothian Bus diversions are available on their website. 

Site Investigation works have commenced from London Road to Annandale Street and will be continuing down Leith Walk.  

The junction of McDonald Road and Leith Walk will be closed from 10^th July for 6 weeks to undertake utility works in this area. 

Bins
Communal bins for Leith Walk are now situated at the nearest side street to their existing location. The regularity of uplifts will be increased to ensure the area is kept clean and tidy and uplifts will take place in the evening to minimise traffic in the area at peak times. If a bin collection has been missed please report this on the council’s website. 

Cycle Way on Leith Walk  
We are installing a bi-directional cycle lane as part of the establishment of the construction site. This will result in a separate cycle way for cyclists adjacent to the pedestrian footpath and both will be maintained throughout the period of construction. We are aware of concerns raised by residents and members of the public and as an interim arrangement we have installed advisory signs. In the meantime, we would ask that all cyclists approach the area with caution. 

Parking
All parking and loading provisions are suspended on Constitution Street and between Foot of the Walk to London Road with no street parking or loading facilities available on the running lane on Leith Walk. Parking areas will be provided at three locations during the works to facilitate access to businesses and local properties. These parking facilities will be short stay only for 30 mins and will be located in the vicinity of Crown Street, Pilrig Street and Elm Row.

COVID-19 Measures
Following the outbreak of COVID19 we have implemented strict measures to ensure that optimum safety is achieved for our staff and the general public.  We have uploaded a short video to share our new controls.  All works must now be carried out in compliance with Scottish Government guidance.  We have implemented the following protocols

• All staff and operatives have now been re-inducted to communicate the projects COVID 19 measures. These are followed up with regular briefings to ensure the message is continually communicated and to reiterate the importance of good hygiene and physical distancing requirements.
• Work will be carried out in compliance with Scottish Government guidance however workers will also be provided with additional Personal Protective Equipment when required
• Temperature testing is now mandatory on the project and all staff, visitors and operatives are subject to a daily temperature check when presenting at site.
• All sites will have infection control station, shown in the photo above. These stations are available to our operatives whilst out on site to promote good hygiene practice.
• The project site office has been remodelled to include measures for physical distancing and optimum hygiene measures. Anyone entering the project office is re-inducted and advised of the above measures in order to prevent spread of COVID19. Those who can work from home are required to continue to do so.

In order to allow for physical distancing, pedestrian footways across the route will be widened where it is safe to do so. There are several sections of the footway where this will not be possible due to open excavations and/or uneven surfacing. To address this, we are installing suggested one-way systems on several sections and introducing passing places where possible.  We are continuing to review our working areas and liaising with council colleagues to ensure that we implement best practice but in the meantime in areas where space is restricted, as in other parts of the city, we would ask that people consider other pedestrians and give them space, stay alert especially if you are using your phone or wearing headphones, and keep left if possible and pass on the right.

Logistics Hubs
The logistics hubs on Mitchell Street, Foot of the Walk, Dalmeny Street, Albert Street and Montgomery Street are now operational. Logistic officers are working within the physical distancing guidelines outlined by the Scottish Government. The logistic hubs are there to help businesses with deliveries and dispatches but any resident on the construction route that is expecting a bulky delivery should contact the logistic hub who will be able to assist. 
We have received positive feedback about our Logistic Officer’s practice and would encourage anyone who requires support to make contact with them.