Waterloo Place Upgrades
Project Overview
We are investing £3M to upgrade and repair the sewer and water network that lies beneath Waterloo Place in Edinburgh.
This will involve the closure of the westbound carriageway on Waterloo Place to allow us to carry out the work safely.
We expect this work to take approximately 11 weeks to complete.
Mackenzie Construction will be carrying out this work on our behalf.
At a glance
- £3M investment
- Work begins: Mon 7 Sep 2026
- Approx. three months duration
- Carried out by Mackenzie Construction
Westbound Lane Closure
The westbound carriageway on Waterloo Place will be closed to all vehicles while we carry out repairs
What we are doing
Our team will be carrying out essential repairs to the water and wastewater network beneath Waterloo Place.
This will involve 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 will 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 £3million 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.
Eastbound lane remains open
Temporary bus stops will be in place on Waterloo Place and Leith Street
Latest Update - August 2026
From Monday 7th September 2026 the westbound carriageway on Waterloo Place will be closed to all traffic between Calton Hill and the junction with Leith Street.
A diversion route for westbound traffic will be in place via London Road - Leith Street.
The eastbound carriageway will remain 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 7 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.
