Date: 20/02/2015

PLANS for a £4.8 million “bio” bridge have been drawn up under radical blueprints aimed at bringing a touch of New York to the streets of Leith. Proposals for the lightweight timber structure have been hatched in a bid to create an eco-friendly “icon” for Leith Walk at the site of an old viaduct demolished in the 1980s. Project leaders at Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust (ELGT), who have submitted a full feasibility study to the city council, said designs by architects Biomorphis were inspired by the New York Highline and Paris’ Viaduc des Arts major regeneration projects which have transformed old elevated railways into urban landmarks. The bridge will also provide the “missing link” in a cycle path and pedestrian walkway between Portobello and Leith, which it is hoped will boast wild grass and woodland, as well as spaces for contemporary art. [From David Panton]

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Related images

Remains of the old Caledonian Railway bridge on the west side of Leith Walk, complete with tribute pub alongside, photographed in April 2004. Leith Walk West goods depot stood beyond the bridge abutment [see image 18453].
Location: Leith Walk West Goods
Company: Leith New Lines (Caledonian Railway)
26/04/2004 John Furnevel

Site of the Caledonian's proposed Leith Walk station on the 'Leith New Lines', photographed looking west along Manderston Street towards The Walk on 31 October 2009. One of the platforms of the partially built but never opened station is incorporated in the stretch that sticks out into Manderston Street.
Location: Leith Walk [CR]
Company: Leith New Lines (Caledonian Railway)
31/10/2009 David Panton

Looking north along Leith Walk towards the Forth in September 1978. The view is dominated by the bridge built to carry the Caledonian Railway's 'Leith New Lines' across the Walk en route to the eastern docks.
Location: Leith Walk [CR]
Company: Leith New Lines (Caledonian Railway)
/09/1978 Bill Roberton