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Travel advice for rugby autumn tests

Posted: 8th November 2018

Rugby fans heading to watch Scotland in the Autumn Tests 2018 this month are being advised to take note of traffic and travel information.

In their first match this Saturday (10 November, kick-off 2.30pm), Scotland are playing host to Fiji and tens of thousands of spectators are expected to flock to BT Murrayfield Stadium for the sell-out fixture.

To ensure pedestrian safety and to minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian diversions will be implemented around the Haymarket Station area over the next three weekends.

The Council is working closely with Police Scotland to keep road and pedestrian traffic moving smoothly before and after the games.

And Edinburgh Trams will be running services to the Stadium from every three minutes, with extra staff on hand to help customers.

Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “The Autumn Tests always create a great buzz in the Capital and we’re anticipating hundreds of thousands of spectators to flock to Murrayfield to see Scotland in action over the next three weekends.

“Please take heed of travel advice and road closure information to help you plan your journey in advance. And go Scotland!”

Road Closures & Restrictions

There are a number of temporary traffic and parking restrictions in place on nearby streets on match days.

Supporters attending any of the fixtures using any nearby on-street parking are advised to check the timings of the road closures as they may be parked within an area that is affected by the various post-match closures.

Access/egress will not be available during the road closure times, including areas such as Haymarket Yards, the Stanhope area, Wester Coates area, Balbirnie Place and parts of the Roseburn area.

Pedestrian Management

To ensure pedestrian safety and to minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian movement will be safely managed around the Haymarket area following the match.

Those heading back into the city centre or Haymarket Station may experience delays due to the available width for the number of supporters heading along this corridor.

Alternative routes back to the city centre are available via Magdala Crescent, Coates Gardens or Rosebery Crescent. Access into Haymarket Station will be managed across the tram tracks. Trams will still be running so members of the public are asked to be patient and take advice from the stewards and Police who are there to ensure their safety.

Unlike previous fixtures there will be NO route back to the city centre/Haymarket Station via Balbirnie Place/Haymarket Yards. Pedestrians heading along Russell Road will be directed to Dalry Road as an alternative route back to the City Centre.

Please note that these diversions will not add any significant length on to pedestrians’ route and will have no affect to journey times as delays to pedestrian movement will be reduced.

These measures are there for the safety of all road users. Further assistance and instruction will be given to rail passengers as they approach Haymarket Station.

Supporters must allow plenty of extra time for their journey to the game. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at BT Murrayfield before the match, with lots of food and drink options available.

Identical arrangements are planned for Saturday 17 November, when Scotland will face South Africa in another sell-out match kicking off 5.20pm, and Saturday 24 November, when the hosts will take on Argentina (kick-off 2.30pm).

Information about getting to and from BT Murrayfield Stadium by bus, tram or rail for the Autumn Tests can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.

Full details of temporary road closures and parking restrictions are available on the Council website.

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