Friday March 13th 2026
Bilston Park, Roslin
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Scottish Water’s £6million project to alleviate flooding and improve the water quality of the Bilston Burn in Midlothian is set to enter a key phase.
From Monday 6 April work to install new pipework to the existing sewer network beneath the A701 will get underway.
Temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation at the roundabout where the A701 Moorfoot View meets the B7006 between Bilston and Roslin.
Senior Scottish Water Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said:
“The road is a key route for people travelling to and from Edinburgh and of course locally as well.
“Unfortunately, we have no other option than to use three-way traffic lights to be able to carry out the work safely.
“We are giving as many people as much advance warning as possible so they can plan ahead, give themselves more time for journeys and not be surprised by any delays.
“The work on the road is expected to take up to seven weeks to complete but we will do all that we can to finish as quickly as conditions and safety will allow.
“We have worked closely with Midlothian Council and other stakeholders to schedule the work to start during the school holidays to minimise the initial impact and to allow people to adjust their usual routines.
“We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding.”
Part of Scottish Water’s £500million Improving Urban Waters programme, a new storm overflow chamber and storm water attenuation tank are being constructed in Bilston Park.
A powered screen will filter out any sewer related debris larger than 6mm and the tank which is a third the size of an Olympic swimming pool will reduce spills during heavy rain.
The public utility’s Improving Urban Waters programme is an additional package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by spring 2027
More information can be found at www.scottishwater.co.uk/BilstonBurn.
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