Edinburgh City Bypass closed in both directions following serious crash

A major route near Edinburgh is currently closed in both directions following a crash.

Emergency services responded to a collision on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass between Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait at around 8.55pm on Wednesday, 11 November. Police officers closed the route in both directions soon after arriving at the scene.

Transport Scotland confirmed the road remains shut this morning as “investigation works continue,” with drivers warned to avoid the City Bypass. Diversion routes have been set for motorists around the road closure.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Emergency services remain in attendance following a crash on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass near Clovenstone, which was reported to police around 8.55pm on Wednesday, 11 November, 2026.

“The road is closed in both directions between Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait and is expected to remain closed for a number of hours.

“Motorists are advised to continue to use alternative routes."

In an update on Thursday morning, Edinburgh Travel News confirmed the route remains closed and was causing “lengthy” traffic delays and congestion.

Edinburgh Travel News shared on social media: "Lengthy traffic delays across much of west/south west Edinburgh this morning - the City Bypass remains closed both ways between Dreghorn and Hermiston Gait following an incident last night."

What is the A720 diversion route?

Transport Scotland has told motorists to avoid the area and follow these diversion routes:

Westbound Direction: Closure of A720 at Dreghorn Junction westbound off and on slips, leave taking slip to Dreghorn Link, turn right to roundabout at Services/Swanston Muir continue straight across.

Travel on Dreghorn Link to roundabout with Redford Road, turn left and travel on Redford Road to junction with Colinton Road.

Turn left and travel on Colinton Road, Bridge Road and Gillespie Road to junction with Gillespie Crossroads continuing straight across into Wester Hailes Road.

Travel to Clovenstone Roundabout continuing straight across to traffic lights at junction with Murrayburn Road, straight across and travel to Bankhead Roundabout turning left on Calder Road.

Travel to Calder Junction turn right and travel on the on-slip for the M8 and north to Gogar Roundabout.

Eastbound Direction: Closure of A720 eastbound at the off-slip for Hermiston Gait/A71 Calder Road, the eastbound on-slip from Calder Roundabout and the on-slip from Hermiston Gait roundabout to A720, take eastbound slip for A71 to Calders Roundabout (also available from Hermiston Gait).

Turn left onto Calder Road, following westbound diversion, in reverse order.