Swimmers warned to avoid Broughty Ferry and Monifieth beaches after sewage leak
Work is ongoing to carry out a complex repair on a leaking sewer pipe on Riverside Drive in Dundee
Last updated 23rd Aug 2022
People are being warned not to go swimming at Broughty Ferry or Monifieth beach - after raw sewage had to be dumped into the River Tay.
It's as work is ongoing to carry out a complex repair on a leaking sewer pipe on Riverside Drive in Dundee.
The trunk sewer is part of the infrastructure that is designed to settle and screen waste water, before discharging via a long sea outfall to deep water in the Tay.
Due to waste leaking into the river, ‘No Swimming’ signage is currently being displayed at Broughty Ferry beach, which will remain in place until the network has returned to normal operation.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Good progress was made by the team working on site yesterday evening, completing the excavation in challenging ground conditions and enabling a full assessment of the repair.
“Work on the main element of the repair is now underway and we are hopeful that this will be completed later today, so that the process of returning the sewer network to normal operation can begin.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we are working as quickly as possible to ensure this essential work is completed.”
Road closures still in place
The repair of the trunk sewer has taken a significant step forward overnight and this morning, and is expected to be completed by the end of today Tuesday 23 August, 2022.
The need for an extensive reinstatement of the excavation in the eastbound carriageway of Riverside Drive means that the road is likely to remain closed for most of this week, with a signposted diversion in place via Perth Road and Hawkhill. The westbound carriageway remains open as usual.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “Extensive reinstatement of the carriageway will be required even once the trunk sewer is back in service.
"We are preparing for this work to follow on as soon as we are confident that repair of the sewer has been successful, but it will take some time before traffic can use this section of road again, in order to ensure a long-lasting repair of the road surface.
“The team on site remains focused on completing the remaining phases of work quickly and safely, so that both the sewer and the road network can return to normal as early as possible.
“We will continue to keep stakeholders updated as we make further progress, but would like to thank road users and other stakeholders for their continuing patience.”