page banner saying Draining the Rain which denotes this is an Improving Urban Waters project

project statys delivery

Project Overview

We are upgrading the waste water network in Gorgie, Edinburgh to improve the water environment by reducing sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith.

The work is part of our £500m Improving Urban Waters programme.

The £3m project on Gorgie Road at Saughton Park is expected to be completed by July 2026.

At a Glance

  • To prevent sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith
  • £3million investment
  • Delivered by Caledonia Water Alliance
  • Work started January 2026
 

IUW Gorgie Road

Gorgie Road

The storm overflow is located under Gorgie Road which is closed to allow the work to be carried out safely

What We Are Doing

We are constructing a new spill chamber around the existing Victorian storm overflow located under Gorgie Road at Saughton Park.

A powered screen will prevent any sewer related debris larger than just 6mm from entering the environment during heavy rain when the overflow spills to prevent homes and businesses from flooding.

Gorgie Road will be closed between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway from Sunday 25 January 2026 although access to private driveways will be maintained.

IUW Gorgie Road

A new spill chamber will be installed on the existing overflow

Stewarton Kirkford Bridge Overflow Upgrade

Improving Urban Waters Investment

Why We Are Doing It

Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement.

Under the banner ‘Draining the Ran, Enhancing the Environment’ the Improving Urban Waters investment will help reduce spills and prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.

IUW Gorgie Road

Ready to Pour

Preparations are being made to install the new concrete overflow chamber

Update April 2026

The full closure of Gorgie Road between Robb's Loan and Hutchison Crossway, although disruptive and inconvenient, has not been causing serious problems for the wider community.

The programme remains on track to be complete by the end of July and works to install the new storm overflow chamber under the carriageway are progressing well.

We would ask people to continue to follow all diversion signs and to allow extra time for journeys, particularly at peak times. More details on parking restrictions and bus services can be found below. 

We are extremely grateful for the patience, understanding and cooperation that has been shown by the community so far and we remain committed to completing work as quickly as possible.

The project will significantly reduce debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier environment for people and wildlife.

Bus Information

Title Type Size Download
Parking Signage

PNG 955 KB Download
Day Buses

PNG 656 KB Download
Night Buses

PNG 1010 KB Download

Community Engagement

A drop in information event was held at Bainfield Bowling Club in November 2025.

Gorgie Road Information Event Posters

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Gorgie Road Information Event Posters

PDF 1 MB Download