Waterloo Place Upgrades

What we are doing

Our team is carrying out essential repairs to the water and wastewater network beneath Waterloo Place.

This involves work to strengthen an existing manhole and the surrounding ground, as well as installing a new section of sewer pipe underground using specialist equipment.

The works also include diverting and upgrading a 130-year-old 12-inch cast iron water main with around 25 metres of new pipeline.

To avoid digging up the entire road surface, we will be digging a deep working shaft so that the new pipe can be pulled through and underneath the road surface.

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.

Why we are doing it

This major investment to upgrade ageing infrastructure is essential to safeguard a key section of Edinburgh’s water and wastewater network after a collapse was discovered beneath the road surface during routine CCTV inspections.

By carrying out these repairs we can reduce the risk of sewer flooding and protect homes, business and local infrastructure from potential future damage.

As well as repairing the collapsed section of sewer, we are also strengthening the surrounding infrastructure which will improve the long-term resilience of the network.

We are also replacing 25m of an ageing water main which will ensure the resilience and reliability of the water infrastructure that serves customers and businesses in Edinburgh.

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. 

Latest Update - October 2026

We're now halfway through our programme and are on track to complete this project by the end of November. 

Since we began work in September, we have successfully completed the initial phase of our project, which included key preparatory works within the sewer network.

We have now moved on to our next phase of the project, with work on site focused on repairing the collapsed section of sewer and completing further improvements to the surrounding network.

Our team have also begun work to locate the existing water main, which will be diverted and renewed as part of this investment, helping to improve the resilience of the local water network for the future.

To allow us to carry out this work safely, the westbound carriageway on Waterloo Place remains closed to all traffic between Calton Hill and the junction with Leith Street.

A diversion route for westbound traffic is in place via London Road - Leith Street.

The eastbound carriageway remains open throughout our work and pedestrian access will also be in place for the duration of our repairs.

All businesses on Waterloo Place remain open as normal. 

Our team on site will be working seven days a week from 7:30am-8pm, where possible, to ensure we can complete this work as quickly as safety allows.

We would encourage anyone travelling through the area to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Thank you to all those affected for your patience and understanding while we carry out these vital repairs.