Ambitious plans to close Waverley Bridge to all traffic and create an attractive new public plaza have been announced.
The City of Edinburgh Council have revealed a radical strategy to overhaul the city centre as part of a massive 10-year transformation plan.
And plans to turn Waverley Bridge into a vehicle free plaza, and create a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists between the old and new towns are among those announced.
Waverley Bridge is currently used by taxis and airport buses but would be completely closed to all traffic under the new plans.
This is in order to create an attractive welcome for people arriving in the city at Edinburgh Waverley.
These plans could be put in place by 2022 or 2023.
And councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport convener, said: "Can you imagine if you were a new visitor to the city or a commuter coming up onto that bridge and having the entire view of the city? The impact that would have is enormous.
“We do not have that, because you are faced with buses, you do not get to see the beautiful panorama. It’s delivering something that people will come to love enormously.”
Work to prepare Edinburgh's roads for new tram line begins this month
The council add that these plans would fit in with Network Rail's overhaul of the station in the Waverley Masterplan.
Also among the transformation strategy are plans to re-build an old route over the Waverley Valley for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge would go over Waverley Station from Jeffrey Street to Calton Road, connecting the Old Town and New Town. It is estimated that this would be completed by 2023 or 2024.
Councillor Macinnes added: “I’m particularly excited about that. If we are able to deliver it in a way that adds enormously, it’s a modern stamp on this centrepiece that truly delivers a safe route for cyclists and walkers.
“We will be adding something really special into it is of enormous importance.”
The bridge concept has been born from a similar idea in Copenhagen – the bicycle snake.
Project director Daisy Narayanan added: “We will reinstate a cycling and walking bridge, the old footbridge that was across the Waverley Valley as a 21st century, north-south traffic free connection to rival Copenhagen.”
To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live's headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as 'Edinburgh Live'.
For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter and Instagram .
You can also subscribe to our newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article.
