Scottish Water works to close busy Bo'ness road for four months but cause disruption for seven
Motorists are being warned of months of disruption as Scottish Water completes work to improve and protect the water environment in Bo’ness.
Wastewater infrastructure investment of £9.5million is being carried out through three projects being delivered in the town to alleviate flooding and reduce sewer related debris entering the Firth of Forth.
The existing storm overflow chambers at Grangepans Sewage Pumping Station, Snab Lane and Grangemouth Road will be decommissioned and replaced with new ones, with new powered screens being installed to prevent anything larger than 6mm from entering the watercourse.
To complete the work, a section of Snab Brae – between Grangemouth Road and Wotherspoon Drive – closed on Monday and will remain closed until January 2027.
Signs at the site indicate that the road will be closed until April 2027, however Scottish Water confirmed to the Falkirk Herald this week that that will not be the case.
They said the road closure will be in place until January once works at Snab Lane are complete. Attention will then move to Grangemouth Road and the planned works there will see two-way temporary traffic lights in place rather than a full road closure until around April.
Scottish Water say the road closure currently in place is to allow for the safe delivery of the work at Snab Lane and customers are advised to plan ahead.
The road will be temporarily reopened over the festive period and pedestrian access will be maintained.
A diversion route will be in place during the works via Corbiehall, Union Street, Carriden Brae, Grahamsdyke Road and Dean Road.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “This is a busy area and we recognise the road closure will inevitably cause inconvenience and some delays so we ask people to allow extra time for journeys while this essential work is taking place.
“We are delivering these projects over a relatively short period of time to make the best use of our resources, but also to minimise disruption for residents and road users.
“This work will significantly reduce debris entering the Firth of Forth, supporting cleaner waterways and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife for years to come.
“We will work as quickly as conditions and safety allow to finish as soon as possible and would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding.”
The spokesperson said the current road closure is scheduled to be lifted in January 2027 upon completion of the works at Snab Lane.
They continued: “Works will then move to Grangemouth Road, where temporary two-way traffic lights will be required until around April 2027.
“This phasing was agreed following discussions with local stakeholders, with a view to minimising any disruption for the local community as far possible. This is not a continuation of the current road closure.
“Further details regarding the Grangemouth Road works, including the exact location, traffic management arrangements and anticipated duration, will be communicated to local residents prior to that particular phase beginning.”
The local works are part of Scottish Water’s £500 million Improving Urban Waters programme.
Work on another local project is already underway. Work to replace the storm overflow at Grangepans Pumping Station began in August.
Work on Grangemouth Road is scheduled to start in January 2027 and it is anticipated that the package of investment will be delivered by next summer.
Scottish Water said local businesses will remain open as usual and their operatives will do everything they can to minimise disruption.
The work at Snab Lane will be carried out by Caledonia Water Alliance on behalf of Scottish Water.
For more information visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/Boness