The Edinburgh City Bypass remained closed in both directions on Thursday morning following a collision near Baberton that brought traffic to a standstill overnight and into the morning rush hour, according to The Herald.
Emergency services responded to the incident on the A720 after the crash was first reported to police around 8:55pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Motorists across the capital reported massive tailbacks and gridlock as traffic management agencies urged drivers to seek alternative travel routes.
Emergency services remain in attendance following a crash on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass near Clovenstone, which was reported around 8.55pm on Wed, 11 Nov. The road is expected to be closed in both directions between Dreghorn junction and Hermiston Gait for a number of hours. pic.twitter.com/4xEspeDfIU
Traffic Scotland initially flagged the blockage at 9:08pm on Wednesday evening, noting that the transport artery was completely restricted in both directions at Baberton Junction. One driver caught in the disruption told the Edinburgh Evening News that the route was “in total standstill.”
As crews worked through the night, a Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the ongoing restrictions. “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 spokesperson said, adding that the road was expected to remain shut for several hours.
Transport authorities established extensive diversion routes to manage the disruption heading into Thursday daytime. Westbound motorists approaching Dreghorn Junction were directed off via Dreghorn Link toward Redford Road, Colinton Road, and Wester Hailes Road before rejoining the network near Calder Road. Eastbound traffic faced similar diversions via Hermiston Gait and the A71 Calder Road, as reported by STV News.
Despite the widespread delays and emergency response, officials have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the collision or whether any individuals sustained injuries during the crash.
Authorities have continued to advise drivers to avoid the area while recovery operations and investigations proceed.
Police Scotland maintained that the route between Hermiston Gait and Dreghorn junction would stay closed while crews cleared the scene.
🛑 Edinburgh City Bypass CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS between Hermiston Gait and Dreghorn – Causing long delays 🎧 'Play Forth 1' pic.twitter.com/5hkcLBTbos
Collision near Edinburgh City Bypass A720 triggers delays as drivers warnedhttps://t.co/bBkKvQvCQshttps://t.co/bBkKvQvCQs
