DRIVERS are being warned to prepare for more roads misery when tram works begin at the Gogar Roundabout on Monday.
The four-week project will see four lanes on the north side of the roundabout reduced to two, with further lane closures on approach roads including the city bypass and A8 eastbound.
The works will coincide with the Truckfest event at Ingliston n
ext week, which is expected to attract more than 35,000 spectators over the two days.
Drivers are already battling with other major roadworks across the city including tram works on Leith Walk and renewal projects at the Seafield and Sheriffhall roundabouts.
A seven-month scheme to divert utilities at Haymarket for the tram project will get under way on August 18.
Tram firm TIE today said traffic management measures put in place will help control the flow of traffic, while city leaders urged drivers to look at alternative travel options.
But driving groups said the work is likely to cause big delays.
Bruce Young, Lothian and Borders co-ordinator of the Association of British Drivers, said: "I think there is no doubt this will be a nightmare. It is the middle of the peak tourist season and if there is one pinch point in the city which doesn't need any more aggravation, it is Gogar Roundabout.
"This will obviously hurt events like Truckfest at Ingliston and you wonder if they will think twice about doing it again.
"I assume the council knew about this event but has chosen to proceed anyway."
Enabling work for the Gogar project got under way this week with traffic management measures and signs put in place.
The work at Gogar is to move and reinforce utility pipes ahead of a project to build a tunnel beneath the roundabout's underpass.
This will link the tram depot on the north side of the roundabout with the Gyle Shopping Centre and Edinburgh Park on the opposite side.
Dave Anderson, the council's director of city development, said: "Gogar is a key element of the tram works and planning for the works has been carefully considered by TIE, the council and our partners.
"If this is your regular route into the city, I would suggest allowing more time to get into town, or look at alternative options for travel such as the recently extended park-and-ride site at Ingliston."
Willie Gallagher, executive chairman of TIE, said: "Gogar is a critical area for the tram project and the works planned for the next four weeks are the beginning of a period of utility diversion and infrastructure work in this area.
"We are, of course, well aware of the area's significance to the city and the work will be accompanied by appropriate traffic management measures to enable us to carry out the task as quickly and safely as possible."
The full article contains 477 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
