‘Worst traffic delays ever seen’ as Edinburgh City Bypass shut for 14 hours after crash
Drivers urged to postpone journeys as a major crash closes the Edinburgh City Bypass, triggering what officials fear are the worst traffic delays ever seen.
Drivers have been urged to abandon journeys as a major crash brings traffic chaos to Edinburgh, with officials warning the delays could be the worst they have ever seen.
The A720 Edinburgh City Bypass remains closed in both directions on Thursday (November 12), more than 14 hours after a collision near Clovenstone.
The crash happened at around 8.55pm on Wednesday, with emergency services called to the scene and a major stretch of the busy route shut overnight.
But the closure has triggered extraordinary disruption across the west of the Scottish capital, leaving drivers facing huge queues and delays stretching well beyond the bypass.
Edinburgh City Council issued an unusually stark warning to motorists, urging them to postpone journeys altogether.
Officials said: “Severe traffic delays across all of the west side of Edinburgh due to ongoing closure of the City Bypass between Dreghorn and Hermiston Gait.
“We’d advise postponing your journey if you have the option – these may be the worst delays we’ve ever seen.”
Which roads are closed in Edinburgh?
The A720 is shut in both directions between Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait, with police warning the closure could continue for several hours.
Traffic Scotland recorded delays of almost 90 minutes westbound earlier on Thursday, while motorists travelling eastbound on the M8 have also faced lengthy queues.
The disruption has spread across residential roads and key routes into Edinburgh, with particularly heavy traffic around Fairmilehead, Oxgangs, Redford, Craiglockhart, Longstone, Clovenstone and Wester Hailes.
Bus passengers have also been caught up in the chaos, with Lothian Buses warning of delays affecting more than 20 services.
What happened on the Edinburgh City Bypass?
Police Scotland confirmed emergency services were called following a collision near Clovenstone shortly before 9pm on Wednesday.
Officers closed the bypass in both directions while emergency crews attended the scene and investigations continued.
The number of vehicles involved and whether anyone was injured have not yet been confirmed.
When will the Edinburgh City Bypass reopen?
There is currently no confirmed reopening time for the A720.
Police Scotland said the road was expected to remain closed for a number of hours and urged motorists to use alternative routes.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the area wherever possible, with the closure continuing to cause widespread disruption.
For the latest developments, motorists can check Traffic Scotland’s live incident updates.