A major £3.2 million infrastructure project by Scottish Water is set to begin on one of Edinburgh's primary arterial routes, leading to a long-term road closure.

Starting Sunday, 25 January 2026, Gorgie Road will be closed to all traffic between Robb's Loan and Hutchison Crossway for approximately six months.

The project is a key component of Scottish Water's £500 million "Improving Urban Waters" programme. The primary objective is to replace an aging, unscreened Victorian-era overflow with a modern overflow chamber. This new facility will feature a powered screen designed to filter out sewer-related debris, such as wet wipes, before they can enter the Water of Leith during periods of heavy rainfall.

Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning explained the necessity of the work: "The road 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."

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Recognising that Gorgie Road is a vital link between the city centre and west Edinburgh—serving thousands of residents, local schools, and major venues like Tynecastle and Murrayfield—Scottish Water has coordinated extensively with the City of Edinburgh Council and emergency services to manage the impact.

To inform the public, a comprehensive advertising campaign has been launched across social media and radio. Motorists are being urged to follow all signposted diversions and to plan for increased travel times, particularly during peak hours.

"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," added Mr Gillies Denning. "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 engineering works are being carried out by Scottish Water's alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance. Under the project banner 'Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment,' the upgrades are part of a wider collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to improve water quality across the country.

The project is expected to be completed and the road reopened by July 2026.