A major resurfacing project is under way on one of Edinburgh’s key thoroughfares.

The £500,000 scheme to resurface Lothian Road will also include road marking renewals, footway and traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements and begins today (Monday, 11 March) with work expected to last approximately six weeks.

To minimise traffic disruption, resurfacing of the carriageway between junctions with Princes Street and Morrison Street will take place between 7pm and 6am, with noise restrictions in place during the night.

All footway and traffic signal works, which are being carried out at the Usher Hall pedestrian crossing, will happen during the day.

The project, which is being delivered on a phased basis, has been prioritised as part of the Council’s ongoing investment in roads and pavements, and addresses safety concerns around the road’s condition and the potential impact of winter weather. Longer term, the route will be a focus of City Centre Transformation, which aims to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use through a range of ‘interventions’.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “As part of our ongoing investment into enhancing our roads network, this project will result in major improvements to a key city centre route, used by thousands of people every day.

“Ultimately, under City Centre Transformation, our long-term vision is to create a more liveable, welcoming environment in areas such as Lothian Road, and in line with this, the resurfacing project will improve the experience for all road users in the short term.

“During the programme of work we will make every effort to minimise disruption, liaising closely with local residents and businesses and keeping noise levels as low as possible.”

Throughout the period of work, residents and businesses will be kept informed through letters, on-street signage and visits from contractors where appropriate.

To allow works to be carried out safely a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is in place to close off various roads and junctions, suspend on-street parking and ban turns where necessary. This is done so that diversions can be put in place and successfully maintained, and allow the works to be carried out safely.

All traffic management will be removed each morning, returning the area to normal throughout the day.