Bilston Burn Midlothian
Project Overview
We are upgrading the waste water network in Bilston to improve water quality and reduce sewer related debris entering the Bilston Burn.
The work is part of our £500m Improving Urban Waters programme.
The £6.6m project is expected to be completed by spring 2027
At A Glance
- To improve water quality and prevent sewer related debris entering the Bilston Burn
- £6.6million investment
- Delivered by Caledonia Water Alliance
- Work began in February 2026
Overflow Underground
The new storm overflow and storage tank will be installed underneath Bilston Park. A new outfall to Bilston Burn will also be constructed to allow excess rainwater to be safely diverted
What We Are Doing
We are constructing a new storm overflow with a powered screen as well as a large storage tank under Bilston public park.
New sewer pipes will be installed, and a new outfall will allow excess rain water to be safely diverted into the nearby burn during extreme weather.
The outline of the new storm tank has been outlined
The project is part of the £500m Improving Urban Waters programme
Why We Are Doing It
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the Improving Urban Waters investment will help reduce spills, improve water quality and prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
Update April 2026
The project 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.
The work on the road is expected to take approximately seven weeks to complete but we will do all that we can to finish as quickly as conditions and safety will allow.
We appreciate that 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 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.
