I can't help wondering why they need to construct a roundabout on the A702 because of this http://www.midlothianadvertiser.co.uk/news/2010-opening-fornew-water-works.3229126.jp If it is going to slow down the traffic on that road, I would have thought that there would be likely to be more accidents.

stick. end. wrong.
The roundabout is part of the new housing development at Mauricewood along with traffic lights at the A701 junction and various other road improvements between Penicuik and Straiton.
Which, regrettably, will apparently not include a proper upgrading of the A701 just a little tinkering round the edges.

I did wonder if that might be the case. I suppose I can understand why it is going to become necessary. However, as I said I am more than a little concerned about where it is going to be sited. Have you seen the speed that the cars travel at when they are going down that part of the hill

Well, I've now heard that while working on the new water treatment works they have found a Roman Garrison. It seems that the work has been stopped and Historic Scotland are now involved. Does anyone know anything more?

The latest story can be found here http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Water-plant-work-digs-up.3641122.jp

Thank you, Andy. That's interesting.

Well, here's the latest on the proposed treatment works. It seems that 8 metres of the building will be visible with the rest of the building below ground. However, I'm not sure that the picture gives a true impression of an 8metre high building, unless there is a grass embankment in front of it. http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Scottish-Water-breaks-cover-with.3843972.jp

Scottish water have some artists' impressions and a 3D fly past.

http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/portal/page/portal/SWE_PGP_INVESTMENT/SWE_PGE_INVESTMENT/SWE_INV_EDWTW/What%20will%20it%20look%20like.

Latest update from Scottish water casts some doubt on the roundabout being built on the A702 at Mauricewood Road. The relevant section from the update at:
http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/portal/page/portal/SWE_PGP_INVESTMENT/SWE_PGE_INVESTMENT/SWE_INV_EDWTW/Meet%20the%20team%209%20Summary%20Sept%2008.pdf

is:
"Roundabout on the A702
Our previous understanding was that construction work on the new roundabout on the A702 was to
commence in Spring 2009. We have not received an update, though feedback from local residents and
current market conditions suggest that these road works may be delayed."

Not looking so good now, just like many things that were planned for Penicuik area.

Can you believe that the recession appears to have been good for something! http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Glencorse-water--treatment-plant.5600767.jp