Work to improve pedestrian access around Waverley Station is to commence next week.

On Monday 26 May, the first phase of the project will begin on Market Street, Edinburgh.

The scheme, which will cost in the region of £1m, will include upgrading and widening the footways as well as the carriageway resurfacing on Waverley Bridge and Market Street. There will also be the installation of upgraded drainage, kerb realignment, laying of sandstone and Caithness paving.

The project is due to be carried out in two stages:

• Market Street – 26 May to 26 July

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• Waverley Bridge – 8 September to 1 December.

Under Phase 1, construction work will include widening and resurfacing the footways in natural stone paving, installing new raised tables to improve pedestrian crossing points, installing a new zebra crossing at the junction of Market Street and Waverley Bridge, providing a new 10-bay taxi rank on Market Street, creating new loading areas, a new cycle lane, new street lighting, resurfacing the carriageway and reducing street clutter.

Traffic management will be in place at certain stages of the project.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: "These improvements to the streetscape around Waverley Station will make a big difference to how accessible the area is for pedestrians, cyclists and all road users.

"With the ongoing problems caused by the unpredictable operation of the barriers at the station ramp on Waverley Bridge and the recent tragic fatality close by, it's even more crucial that we do whatever we can to make this whole area as safe as we possibly can."

(JP)