Plans to open George Street to pedestrians, bicycles, and outdoor seating areas are being finalized by the councilors.
The historic street, which is often subject to severe traffic collapse when looking for parking spaces on the street, is closed to motorists and given a “European boulevard feel” in order to better accentuate the A-listed buildings that adorn it bring.
Bus stops will be located at both ends of the city center, and parking spaces will remain for blue sticker holders and shop access for businesses.
The plans are part of the Edinburgh City Council’s ten-year transformation project, which aims to make the city center largely car-free by 2030.
Some of the design aspects are now to be finalized at a meeting of the Council’s Transport Committee on Thursday, August 18.
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These include wider sidewalks on either side of George Street, “greening” and landscaping that respects the heritage of the area, and the creation of a “bicycle street”.
Key design elements also include removing buses and all other non-essential traffic from George Street, as well as reducing parking spaces to make room for walking, cycling and driving.
The famous statue of James Clerk Maxwell will also be in motion, albeit not too far, with the final design taking it at the gate to George Street near the statue’s current location.
A number of proposed operational changes would assist in the redesign of the area and form the basis for the development of the legal notice process required for the construction of the facility.
Key principles of the operations plan include introducing pedestrian and cycling priorities, prioritizing blue badge parking, and removing all but essential car traffic from George Street, among other operational changes.
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Councilor Lesley Macinnes, Council’s SNP Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We have reached an important stage as we move forward on this major project to redesign George Street and the surrounding areas.
“These fundamental elements in the design and operation of the system will be central in the years to come.
“This is exactly the kind of transformation that we want to bring about in Edinburgh. Wider sidewalks, a significantly improved cycling infrastructure and relaxed landscaped areas in harmony with the historical surroundings not only create a safer and more inviting environment for people, but also support traveling on foot, by bike or bike.
“Promoting sustainable transport is critical if we are to meet our zero carbon goals and improve air quality for future generations.”
Councilor Karen Doran, vice chair of the Labor Transport and Environment Council, said, “We have worked hard to involve the community, businesses and active travel, accessibility and heritage groups in the development of these plans, and their feedback has been critical.
“Well, as we move forward, we want to keep taking with us everyone who contributed, and we will keep in touch with them as we take the next exciting steps towards making the project a reality.”
