Busy Glasgow road reopens after almost five months

High Street was closed between Duke Street and Rottenrow on Monday, January 9 to allow Scottish Water to carry out sewer repair. 

The works were originally due to end in February but were extended until the end of June. 

We previously reported Louise Lawn, who owns fashion boutique Frida and Coco on the street, feared her business wouldn't survive due to the repairs taking place outside her shop disrupting trade.

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However, the road has now been reopened a month early after essential repairs to the local wastewater network were completed. 

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water's corporate affairs manager in the west, says she's "really pleased" they have been able to reopen the road in time for summer.

She said: "The extension of the road closure on High Street was unavoidable and the road was supposed to be closed until the end of June.

"We’re really pleased that the road has reopened in time for a busy summer period, including the Cycling World Championships.

"There’s absolutely no doubt the local community and road users will be too.

"Everyone has been very patient and understanding, for which we are very thankful.

"We would also like to thank our delivery partner George Leslie who have shown great resilience throughout, working tirelessly to get the job done for the good of our customers. They really have done a fantastic job in difficult circumstances."

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Unchartered services, a 24-inch water main and tricky ground conditions all added to the complexities of the repair of the 200-year-old sewer.

In total, 20 meters of sewer pipe were upgraded, three manholes were constructed and 22 metres of water main were removed and replaced. 

Blair Dixon, senior project manager for Scottish Water, said: "Given that the project was being delivered in one of the oldest streets in Glasgow, we fully expected there to be some issues for the team to overcome.

"The scale of the works kept growing and our delivery partner faced several challenges as the works unfolded.

"The team’s resourcefulness and hard work have paid off and it’s great that the project is now complete."

Mr Dixon revealed the project uncovered old tram lines and cobbles which have since been incorporated into Greyfriars Garden. 

He said: "There were also some really interesting discoveries on this project; we uncovered some tram lines, we found an old hydraulic line which we believe could have helped operate the lifts in flats, and we uncovered lots of cobbles.

"The cobbles have been re-purposed and incorporated into Greyfriars Garden, a newly opened local community garden just near to where our works took place.

"It’s nice to know that as well as a more resilient waste and water network, we’ve contributed towards a lasting legacy in High Street for people to enjoy."