FAQ: Gully Cleaning

Gullies are a key drainage system for trunk roads. Some routes rely more on gullies whereas others, such as the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass, rely more on filter drains. It is important that a regular maintenance programme is undertaken to ensure that gullies are working effectively to drain water from the carriageway.

1. How many gullies, manholes and catchpits are we responsible for in the SE Unit?
   18,650 gullies
   5,876 manholes
   768 catchpits
2. How often are they cleaned (as per our contract from Transport Scotland)?
   Annually
3. How does BEAR approach this responsibility?
   Our maintenance programme ensures that these drainage assets are checked and cleaned within 12 months as the contract from Transport Scotland requires. Our performance is measured on this. The maintenance visits are generally due during the same month each year, not by actual dates.
4. What is involved in cleaning gullies?
   The process involves removing water, silt and any debris from the gully pot, jetting water down the outlet pipe to ensure there are no obstructions and that it’s functioning properly. The pot is then re-filled with clean water.
5. Are gullies cleaned at other times?
   If problems occur out with the normal planned programme we will visit, check and clean as required.
6. Are Gully Cleaners used for anything else?
   Emergency Response – such as flooding after heavy rain.

Gully Cleaning Tracker

1. What does the tracker show?
   Each dot shows the location of a gully that has been cleaned.
2. What timeframe does the tracker show?
   The map shows a 12 month period therefore showing last time one of these assets were cleaned and therefore the approximate date for the next clean (12 months).