The refurbishment of the North Bridge, which began in Summer 2018, is due to be completed in early 2021, while the Princes Street Binns clock has been scheduled for restoration.
The North Bridge connects the Old and New towns, and was opened in 1896. It is classed as a category A-listed structure.
An estimated £22 million will have been spent on the bridge in total, which involves a series of structural repairs designed to safeguard long-term usage.
The refurbishment of the bridge consists of an assessment and subsequent repair or replacement of the 6,000 corroded steel sections underneath the bridge. This will involve the restoration of the cast iron works.
Redundant utilities will be removed and the bridge’s concrete deck, constructed in 1933, will be tested in order to establish the design for improvements. Expansion joints are also being replaced.
Permanent platforms are being installed to enable further work, and improvements are being made to structural drainage systems.
Edinburgh city Transport and Environment convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, stated that “…the road running under the bridge will eventually benefit from active travel improvements, connecting to our growing network of walking and cycling-friendly routes.”
Additionally, the repair of the cantilever clock on Princes Street was recently announced.
The clock was constructed in 1960 and is known locally as the Binns Clock, as it was originally built as part of Binns’ department store.
It is set to be restored as part of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street plans for improved visitor attractions, as it was once a popular meeting point destination.
Mark Crangel, a clockmaker from the Cumbria Clock Company, is to oversee the project.
It will involve the repair of the famous ‘painted pipers’ that formerly marched on the hour and half hour before the clock fell into disrepair.
As of yet, no date has been announced for the beginning of the project.
Image: army.arch via Flickr