Six Month Road Closure to Enhance West Edinburgh's Water Environment

“This project will significantly reduce debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife including otters.”

Ethan Gillies Denning
Senior Project Manager, Scottish Water

A major £3million Scottish Water project on a key arterial route linking west Edinburgh with the city centre is about to get underway.

Gorgie Road will be closed between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway for approximately six months from Sunday 25 January 2026.

The existing unscreened overflow is to be replaced by a new overflow chamber with a powered screen to filter out sewer related debris during heavy rain.

Part of Scottish Water’s £500million Improving Urban Waters programme, the project will protect the nearby Water of Leith in Saughton Park.

Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “We are acutely aware Gorgie Road is one of the key transport routes linking west Edinburgh with the city centre.

“As well as being home to Tynecastle stadium and close to Murrayfield, it is also home to thousands of residents, and crucial for local businesses, schools, universities and emergency services.

“But the road also sits above critical Victorian-era waste water infrastructure that helps protect homes and businesses during heavy rain.

“This project will significantly reduce sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife including otters.”

The project is part of Scottish Water's Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

Ethan Gillies Denning added: “We have launched a comprehensive campaign of radio and social media adverts to make sure as many as people as possible are aware of the work starting.

“There will inevitably be disruption, but we have worked closely with a range of agencies including Edinburgh City Council and the emergency services to anticipate and mitigate any major issues.

“We would ask people to follow all diversion signs and to allow extra time for journeys particularly at peak times and please be patient.”

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by July 2026.