Scottish Water is to upgrade the waste water network in Gorgie in the next six months meaning that Gorgie Road, a main arterial route, will be closed until July from next weekend.

This will affect anyone travelling from the west into Scottish Gas Murrayfield or into the city centre by car or bus.

The project comes under Scottish Water’s banner “Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment”. The company advises that the Victorian storm overflow is under Gorgie Road at Saughton Park and they plan to build a new spill chamber around it.

They will install a powered screen which will prevent any debris from the sewer larger than 6mm from entering during heavy rain. This includes wet wipes which cause blockages and problems in the system. In times of heavy rainfall the spill comes into play preventing flooding in the area.

Gorgie Road will be closed from Robb’s Loan to Hutchison Crossway although local access will be maintained.

Lothian Buses diversions

Lothian Buses advise that as part of Gorgie Road will be closed from 6.30pm on 25 January for around six months various services will be affected.

Diversions include:

Services 3 25 33 N25 – between Gorgie Road and Stenhouse Road, buses will divert via Balgreen Road, Stevenson Drive and Stenhouse Drive in both directions.

Services 30 N28 N30 – between Stevenson Road and Stenhouse Road, buses will divert via Balgreen Road, Stevenson Drive and Stenhouse Drive in both directions.

Services X27 X28 (to Edinburgh) – between Stenhouse Road and Stevenson Road, buses will divert via Stevenson Drive, Stevenson Drive and Balgreen Road heading citybound.

Services X27 X28 (to West Lothian) – between Stevenson Road and Calder Road, buses will divert via Balgreen Road, Stevenson Drive, Stenhouse Drive and Saughton Road heading westbound.

The maps below show the diversions

SEPA

This work is planned along with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) who have mapped out the priority storm overflows which now need to be improved or replaced.

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.”

As yet EdinTravel do not have details of any road closures other than that above.

This is part of the utility company’s Urban Waters programme. A public event was held in November 2025 when this poster was shown to those attending. Click on the image for more information.