More roads are set to close as the next phase of Edinburgh tram works get underway, it has been announced.

Last month the east side of St Andrew Square was shut to traffic while Shandwick Place was also closed, resulting in bus diversions.

The road alterations followed the closure of Princes Street last September in order for engineers to replace the crumbling road surface.

Now two more areas of the city will be affected so that further work can take place.

From March 3 the bus lane operating at the east end of Princes Street between Waverley Bridge and South St Andrew Street. Buses travelling from north to south will have to drive from North Bridge to Leith Street and via York Place if heading west. North – South general traffic access through Waverley Bridge onto South St. David Street will remain open.

Beginning at the end of March existing work sites at Shandwick Place and Haymarket will be extended to include West Maitland Street.

While access will continue for Atholl and Coates Crescents on either side of Shandwick Place, north to south traffic will be maintained through Palmerston Place with through access available via Morrison Street and Torphichen Place. Traffic from Dalry will also be able to travel along Morrison Street which will become two-way as far as Torpichen Place.

Buses will be diverted locally via Rosebery, Grosvenor and Lansdowne Crescents in the north and by the West Approach Road in the south.

Commenting on the new diversions, which have been introduced by the City of Edinburgh Council in co-operation with the contractors, Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, transport convenor, said: “It is encouraging that work on the tram project continues apace and we will be extending worksites across the city centre to make sure the project is being delivered to programme, as we outlined last December.

“Thanks to new positive relationships, regular discussions now take place between the council, the contractors and Transport Scotland to ensure the project can be delivered as efficiently as possible.”

Businesses affected by the works will continue to receive support from the council’s Open for Business budget, which recently received £100,000 in extra funding.

Councillor Mackenzie added: "Our proposals for additional support for city centre businesses won the backing of all councillors, in a move that will have a real and lasting impact for affected traders.

“We continue to work closely with our partners and other stakeholders, including the businesses themselves, to minimise the impact of the works and to maintain the attractiveness our city centre as a retail and visitor destination."

It has also been announced that The Mound will reopen to taxis, buses, cycles and emergency vehicles on March 3.

IN DETAIL

City of Edinburgh Council