Lawnmarket and Upper Bow

We’re improving the roads, pavements and drainage at Lawnmarket (between Castlehill and George IV Bridge) and Upper Bow, which includes the reconstruction of the existing natural stone setts. The work will improve walking and road conditions and enhance road safety.

Phases

Work started on 23 September 2024 and is expected to end in July 2025. It will be done in four phases, with each phase completed consecutively. 

Work will

• take place Mondays to Saturdays, typically between the hours of 7.30am and 5pm
• temporarily stop during the busy festive period to minimise disruption.

Phase 1, 23 September - December 2024 - completed
Upper Bow - full length. Upper Bow will be closed. The Lawnmarket will continue to operate eastbound only.

Phase 2, December 2024 - 9 March 2025 
Lawnmarket  - roundabout area. 

•  From Monday 2 December there will be no through route from Johnston Terrace to George IV Bridge
• The current suspension of the eastbound no entry at Johnston Terrace will remain and all vehicles will be able to access Lawnmarket from Johnston Terrace, but must return the same way
• Access to Lawnmarket will also be available from George IV Bridge, but must return the same way
• Vehicle access to Castlehill from Johnson Terrace will remain until 5 January 2025
• From 5 January 2025, the full roundabout area will be closed off to vehicles, and access to Castlehill will be from Ramsay Lane
• Temporary parking restrictions will remain in place to ensure works are completed safely, with on-street signage providing details of specific restrictions; 

Phase 3, 10 March - end of April 2025

• Road closure on the western section with no through route for vehicles. Local access via Johnston Terrace; some access may be available from George IV Bridge.
• No vehicle through route from Johnston Terrace to George IV Bridge until the end of the project (July 2025)
• The suspension of the eastbound no entry at the bottom of Johnston Terrace will remain and all vehicles will be able to access Castlehill from Johnston Terrace, but must return the same way
• Vehicle access to the east end of Lawnmarket will be available from George IV Bridge, but must return the same way
• Temporary parking restrictions will remain in place to ensure works are completed safely, with on-street signage providing details of specific restrictions
• Bus services through Johnston Terrace remain diverted with details of diversions available on bus stops and on bus operators' websites. Tour coaches are unable to use the area. 
• Space for loading will be provided where it is safe to do so. 
• From  Friday 14 March 2025, vehicle access to Castlehill will be available from Johnston Terrace again and the temporary traffic lights on Ramsay Lane will be removed.
• Council waste collections will continue as normal.
• Part of the road will be resurfaced on Johnston Terrace (from no. 1 to no. 11). This will be done from 5pm during the evenings of 5 and 6 March. Please make sure ensure any commercial waste bins are removed from this area before the resurfacing starts. We apologies for the additional disruption this will cause

Phase 4, May - July 2025
Road closure of the Eastern half with no through route for vehicles. Local access via Johnston Terrace - some access may be available from George IV Bridge.

Access

• Pedestrian access to the area will be maintained at all times, restrictions will be placed on vehicle access. Eastbound traffic will be maintained during phase 1, but Lawnmarket will be closed to through traffic from December 2024.
• Access will be maintained at all times for emergency services vehicles.
• Temporary parking restrictions will be introduced to make sure the work is done safely, with on-street signage providing details of specific restrictions. 
• Bus operators have been informed and information detailing diversion routes will be provided at bus stops and on bus operators' websites. During phase 1 no changes to the current bus services are expected.
• Loading and servicing will continue using the current festival streets guidelines, 7pm to 10.30am daily, with access from Johnston Terrace. Outside of these times, and during later phases, access may be restricted to certain areas. Please make sure that any suppliers and delivery companies who need access to your premises are aware of the work and current guidance. Council waste collections will continue as normal.

Further information

The large black safety barriers on Lawnmarket will be permanently removed on the evening of 27 February 2025. These will be later replaced with retractable bollards on the carriageway during Phase 4 of our work. 

Support for businesses

Outdoor signage will be displayed to advertise that businesses are open as usual during the work. Business Gateway ran free workshop sessions for local businesses before the road works began to help them navigate the roadworks with confidence.

Further information

A council representative will be on site during the works to monitor progress and provide assistance and information to residents and businesses.

Please email us for further details or updates.

Find out about current projects to improve roads and pavements.