Edinburgh city centre road to close for three months after sewer collapse
A major Edinburgh city centre road is set to partially close for almost three months while a £3 million upgrade to the water and sewer network is carried out.
The westbound carriageway of Waterloo Place will close to all traffic between Calton Hill and Leith Street from Monday, September 7.
Scottish Water expects the work to take around 11 weeks after a collapsed section of sewer was discovered beneath the road during routine CCTV inspections.
The project will involve repairing the damaged sewer, strengthening an existing manhole and the surrounding ground, and installing a new section of sewer pipe.
Around 25 metres of a 130-year-old cast-iron water main will also be replaced as part of the upgrade.
Scottish Water says the work is complex because the sewer runs close to several other underground services.
A deep working shaft will be dug to allow the new pipe to be pulled underneath the road, avoiding the need to dig up the entire road surface.
Other sections of the sewer will also be repaired and cleaned.
Scottish Water said the work would "reduce the risk of sewer flooding and protect homes, business and local infrastructure from potential future damage".
It added: "While we appreciate the work is in a city centre location, we are using specialist techniques to minimise disruption and avoid digging up the entire length of road.
"Completing these repairs now will help ensure the network continues to reliably serve the city for many years to come."
Traffic disruption
The eastbound carriageway of Waterloo Place will remain open throughout the project, while pedestrian access will also be maintained.
Westbound traffic will be diverted via London Road and Leith Street, with temporary bus stops installed on Waterloo Place and Leith Street.
Businesses in the area will remain open as normal.
Mackenzie Construction is carrying out the work on behalf of Scottish Water, with teams expected to be on site seven days a week between 7.30am and 8pm where possible.
People travelling through the area are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.