Waterloo Place – a major artery in Edinburgh’s city centre – is set to be closed for around three months while a £3m sewer upgrade is completed.
Scottish Water said these works have become “essential” to safeguarding Edinburgh’s wastewater network after a collapse was discovered beneath the road.
The utility company also stated it expects Waterloo Place to be shut westbound – between Calton Hill and Leith Street – for 11 weeks from 7 September.
The closure at the east end of Princes Street means that Edinburgh commuters will enjoy no reprieve after the planned reopening of Princes Street – slated for late August.
Westbound traffic will be diverted away via London Road and Leith Street, while temporary bus stops will also be installed for eastbound commuters.
Scottish Water, who have appointed Mackenzie Construction as a contractor, said the works are “complex” but “essential”.
In a statement, they explained the works will involve strengthening “an existing manhole and the surrounding ground, as well as installing a new section of sewer pipe underground using specialist equipment”.
“The works will also include diverting and upgrading a 130-year-old 12-inch cast iron water main with around 25 metres of new pipeline,” they added.
To avoid digging up the entire road surface, contractors will dig a deep working shaft so that the new pipe can be pulled through and underneath the road surface.
Scottish Water’s statement continued: “We will also be carrying out repairs on other sections of the sewer through a patch-lining process, as well as cleaning of the sewer.
“This section of sewer runs close to multiple other underground services, meaning that the work is complex and must be carried out safely.
“To allow this to happen, Waterloo Place will need to be closed in the westbound direction to all vehicles for approximately 11 weeks while our team carry out these repairs and upgrades.
“The eastbound lane will remain open to traffic.”
They added that the repairs will reduce the risk of flooding and “protect homes, businesses and local infrastructure from potential future damage”.
A stretch of Princes Street – on the opposite end to Waterloo Place – remains closed after a fire ripped through the former Debenhams department store.
The closure, which has forced the diversion of major bus routes and cancellation of trams to Newhaven, is expected to last until late August, but the council said work to secure the site is weather-dependent.
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Roadworks were carried out on Waterloo Place on 20 February 2023 PHOTO © The Edinburgh Reporter
Waterloo Place
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