Powderhall Footbridge

As reported here on 20 October, Leith Central Community Council and New Town & Broughton Community Council are dissatisfied with Edinburgh Council's closure and subsequent management of Powderhall Footbridge.

This morning, they jointly published an open letter to the top official and elected members concerned: Gareth Barwell (Corporate Director of Place), Cllr Margaret Graham (Convener, Culture & Communities Committee) and Cllr Stephen Jenkinson (C

Powderhall Footbridge, opened in 2009, was designed in accordance with the standards and engineering knowledge applicable at the time. However, its 120-year design life was not a guarantee that the bridge would last for 120 years.

These startling assertions appear in a Briefing Note (14.10.26) just issued by the Council’s City & Neighbourhood Services and Transport & Mobility Directorate. We attach it in full below.

Culture & Communities Cmte convener Cllr Margaret Graham* has confirmed that re-establishing an operational footbridge at Powderhall remains the Council’s high priority. However, this could take until 2028.

What we know so far …

Council officials yesterday closed Powderhall Bridge – crossing the Water of Leith between St Mark’s Path and St Mark's Park – indefinitely and without prior notice.

The Council action came in response to the structure failing a recent inspection.