Edinburgh's Bus Station will stay open during the next phase of the tram works on York Place and buses will have access all the way along Princes Street from this weekend, the City of Edinburgh Council has announced.

The decision was taken after productive joint discussions between the Council, in collaboration with the contractors, and bus operators and follows good progress on York Place and Princes Street, by the contractors.

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: "We have been listening to the local community and bus operators who stressed that access to the bus station during the course of the tram works was a high priority. However, it was also important to balance this with the need to continue to make good and steady progress to complete the works."

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During this next phase of tram works, buses will be able to access the bus station via a diversion route using Leith Street, Little King Street, St. James Place and Elder Street. Taxis and cars will also be able to access the bus station via this route to allow passengers to be dropped off.

Buses will exit the station via Elder Street and York Place. A single lane along York Place will be available solely for bus traffic exiting the bus station towards Picardy Place.

Access will be maintained to the St. James Centre and John Lewis car parks.

During the next phase of tram works, pedestrian footpaths on York Place will remain open at all times providing access to all shops and businesses and there will be well-signed crossing points installed throughout the worksite areas. A traffic lane will be available at all times within the worksite for emergency service access.

In addition, the Council will continue to offer support to any businesses that may require assistance with deliveries to their premises in York Place.

(CD)