The closure of Broughton Street between York Place and Albany Street is scheduled to continue until midnight on 17 July.
Work began on 4 July as contractors for Scottish Power opened what resembled a series of random trenches in search of ancient civilisations. Broughton Street Lane and York Lane are also both closed at their eastern ends.
Rumours among shopkeepers on the street include one story that all the sewers are being replaced. This is incorrect.
In fact, these deep excavations turn out to be 'test holes' associated with redevelopment of the St James Centre which starts in earnest soon.
At least, that's the gist of what Spurtle gleaned in a teeth-jangling on-street interview partially drowned out by the sound of drills and bullockdozers.
Further digging into the story revealed that SP Energy is installing underground cables that will allow for demolition and future construction of the new St James Quarter.
Mark Everett, SP Energy Networks Head of Delivery, said:
This is an important project to ensure that the Edinburgh St James regeneration project will have the required electricity connections in place. We have been working with Edinburgh City Council to implement traffic management plans, and everything possible has been done to keep any disruption to a minimum. This project is designed to bring long-term benefits to the City, and we apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause in the short term.
Things are a little quieter downhill, where some of the people who normally occupy steps beside Greggs and Ladbrokes are now waiting out summer showers under the deserted bus shelter opposite.
The Lothian Buses No. 8 service is currently diverting along East London Street, Annandale Street, Elm Row and Leith Street in both directions.
