A new development which will see Leith Shore connected with Portobello Promenade has been launched.

The new route is part of Edinburgh’s Family Network, as set out in the Active Travel Action Plan.

It will follow traffic-free paths and has seen the installation of a new ramp and bridge across Seafield Place, while a previous railway path has been given an upgrade to provide access to a new point at Seafield Street.

This ramp has replaced steps at the east end of Leith Links, while part of Seafield road has been widened in order to make it suitable for shared cyclist and pedestrian use.

-- Advertisement --

The project cost was £1.1m, £446,000 of which was offered up by Sustrans Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland. A further £50,000 was supplied by the Binks Trust for the new bridge over Seafield Place.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Convener of Transport and Environment has welcomed the new development.

"This new path is an important addition to Edinburgh's Family Network, which provides safe, fun and convenient routes around the City for cyclists and pedestrians alike. We're very grateful to Sustrans Scotland and the Binks Trust for their support for this project and I'm sure the path will quickly become a much-used route between the Shore and Portobello Promenade," she said.

"The Council's Active Travel Action Plan seeks to encourage more residents to walk and cycle, more safely and more often. Projects like this one help to do just that."

Daisy Narayanan, Sustrans Scotland Deputy Director, said: "Sustrans Scotland is delighted to have helped make this vital community link possible. The new bridges will make cycling and walking to work a daily reality for many more people, helping Edinburgh to get active and go green on the move."

(IT)