Key section of Perth’s ‘Super-Sewer’ Pipework Complete

“We’re investing for a climate-ready Perth and the completion of this section of Tay Street a key milestone in this work.”

David Lavery
Scottish Water Senior Project Manager

THE majority of Scottish Water’s super sewer upgrade on Tay Street has been completed, with a section of the road set to reopen to traffic next month.

Focus now moves to Tay Street south of the railway bridge, and Shore Road, where the public water company’s multi-million pound network upgrade continues. This major investment has seen a 2.2 metre diameter pipe installed to increase capacity within the network to accommodate Perth’s projected growth, and reduce the risk of flooding in low-lying areas between the city centre and Muirton.

The over-pumping equipment which has been in situ since February at Tay Street north of the railway bridge will now move to the southern end, before relocating to Shore Road. Over-pumping allows flows to continue and services to customers to remain unaffected while the new pipes are connected and brought into use.

Areas in Perth including Bell Sports Centre locale will now begin to benefit from the Tay Street upgrades, seeing a reduction in the risk of flooding. Areas including Marshall Place and behind North Inch Campus will see the benefits once the work at Shore Road has concluded.

Perth & Kinross Council has confirmed that the current Tay Street road closure will remain in place to allow the reinstatement works to take place, as they upgrade the road to its best possible standard for the long-term, and also carry out kerb repairs. The roads authority anticipates it will partially re-open in the last week of June. Tay Street meanwhile remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, and businesses are open as usual.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “It’s great to see these works progressing; with upgrades like these where it all happens underground and as opposed to a structure being build, it can be difficult to grasp the magnitude of what is being done. However, the impact these upgrades will have for our residents and businesses will be significant – and the benefits will truly be felt during times of heavy rain where flooding is a concern.

“I want to express my gratitude to both Scottish Water and the Road Maintenance Partnership for co-ordinating the phases of the works to minimise further disruption to the people of Perth.”

Following the council’s reinstatement work, Tay Street will re-open to motorists between the junction of Canal Street and north of the railway bridge, with on-street parking available again. Traffic management will remain in place with a no-through road towards Shore Road while the super sewer construction continues.

Scottish Water’s Senior Project Manager, David Lavery, said: “We’re investing for a climate-ready Perth and the completion of this section of Tay Street a key milestone in this work. It has seen the installation of over 128 metres of large diameter sewer, which is essential in improving the capacity and resilience of the waste water network and in helping to drain the rain.

“This is part of a number of large-scale critical infrastructure projects ongoing across the Fair City to help support the city’s continued growth and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“With the team from our delivery partner, Caledonia Water Alliance, we are continuing to work to progress the new pipework at Shore Road and are aiming to have this final section of super-sewer installed by late Spring 2025.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding while we continue to carry out this vital work in the city centre to improve Perth’s waste water network for the future.”