A PROJECT to reduce the risk of flooding in Marchmont is expected to be completed in spring this year, three years after it began.
Caledonia Water Alliance has been working to install a new sewer to reduce the risk of flooding to properties in the area.
This has involved work on Marchmont Crescent, Marchmont Road, Bruntsfield Links, and Warrender Park Road.
Work began on the site in September 2022, and was originally meant to be completed in spring 2024.
Now, Scottish Water has confirmed that the project is on schedule to be completed by spring this year, after already experiencing a delay to winter 2024.
Drone photos show a large storm tank that has been installed on Marchmont Road by the links, that is said to be 15m wide by 20m deep.
This tank has been completed, but the area will remain blocked off as the site compound until the whole project is completed.
New larger sewer pipes are also being installed, to increase the capacity of the local wastewater network and provide extra storage during heavy rainfall.
Scottish Water state that in a few weeks their teams will be connecting the new sewer to the existing one on Marchmont Road.
This will begin on Monday 3 March and will take approximately six weeks, during which temporary two-way traffic lights will be in place.
There will also be no vehicle access onto Spottiswoode Road from Marchmont Road, though a short diversion will be available via Warrender Park or Thirlestane Road.
Those living in the area can expect noise and mild vibration associated with the work as the sewers are pumped during work on existing manholes.
Once work is completed, the site cabins will be removed and Scottish Water states that they will sow the area with wild meadow seed.
A Scottish Water spokesperson has confirmed that the plans were delayed as they teams found that the sandstone rock that was excavated out to build the storm tank was denser than anticipated which meant it took longer to dig out, and state they have kept customers updated on progress throughout their work on this project without issue, including providing estimated times for completion.
They said today: “Our teams are making good progress on our £7million project to help prevent sewer flooding affecting properties in the Marchmont area of Edinburgh.
“Work to install the new sewer along Marchmont Crescent is nearing completion and in a few weeks our teams will begin connecting it to the existing sewer on Marchmont Road.
“From Monday 3 March 2025 for approximately six weeks, temporary two-way traffic lights will be in operation on Marchmont Road at its junction with Marchmont Crescent.
“There will be no vehicle access onto Spottiswoode Road from Marchmont Road – a short diversion will be available via Warrender Park or Thirlestane Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained to all properties and businesses.
“This is the final phase of work and once completed Marchmont Road and Marchmont Crescent will reopen.
“We will then remove our site cabins located near the links off Warrender Park Terrace and sow the area with wild meadow seed.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding.”
