EXTRA funding to improve Edinburgh's Leith Walk was confirmed yesterday as the council announced a work programme that will see at least 16 months of disruption on the famous thoroughfare.
Lesley Hinds, the city's transport convener, said a budget of £5.5 million had been set aside to pay for the replacement of temporary road and pavement surfaces and the installation of permanent traffic measures following years of disruption from tram works.
City of Edinburgh Council had agreed to put £3.2m into reinstating the street last year after a decision to shorten the 11-mile tram route from Edinburgh Airport, terminating it in the city centre and ditching the connection to Leith and Newhaven Harbour.
However, the SNP/Labour administration that won power in May has promised to find extra resources to ensure improvements can be made to Leith Walk, with improved access for pedestrians and cyclists a priority among locals.
If approved, the work will start in September.
Ms Hinds said: "Residents and businesses have been affected by the tram works so I think it's only fair that this iconic street is now returned to its former glory."
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