Friday February 20th 2026
Cameron Churm (Engineer and NEC4 Supervisor with AECOM who was involved in the early design stages of the project), Ms Hyslop, Malcolm Barr (Technical Director at Akela Construction), Robert Ogg (Managing Director of Akela Construction), Alan Stubbs (Service Manager - Roads for East Lothian Council), Ian King (Team Manager - Asset & Regulatory for East Lothian Council).
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop visited works to improve a busy roundabout today as the project being delivered by East Lothian Council nears completion.
The improvements at the Wallyford Toll Roundabout are designed to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent.
The roundabout will be made more accessible for active travel while also enhancing traffic flows. Ms Hyslop was joined during the visit by representatives including East Lothian Provost John McMillan, Robert Ogg and Malcolm Barr from project contractor Akela Construction, and council officers from Roads services.
A number of pupils from nearby Wallyford Primary also attended along with Willie Gordon from the school’s Parents and Carers Council. Construction work began on 24 November last year and is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Transport Scotland are providing over £1.5 million to fully fund the redesign. The installation of three toucan crossings will allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road at the same time to create additional opportunities to negotiate the arms of the roundabout.
Widened pavements and cycle paths will also allow people to walk, wheel and cycle safely around the road network.
The space for traffic will be narrowed while ensuring buses and large lorries can still navigate the interchange.
Ms Hyslop said: “I’m pleased to see these significant improvements underway at Wallyford Toll, supported by over £1.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund this year.
“This work at Wallyford Toll will be completed soon and will make it much easier for people to leave the car at home and choose walking, wheeling, and cycling for their everyday journeys.
“To help local authorities across the country deliver on their similar ambitions, the Scottish Government is investing over £188 million in active and sustainable transport in 2025–26. In doing so, we’re helping more people to save money, improve health, and reduce emissions.”
In the longer-term, the changes at Wallyford Toll would link in with a separate council scheme aimed at further boosting active travel opportunities which is proposed to connect into the roundabout. Under the Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project, a segregated cycleway on the A199 Haddington Road connecting Wallyford Toll to Musselburgh has been put forward.
Cllr McMillan, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “I’m glad these improvements at the roundabout are progressing so well. They form a key part of a long-term strategy to make it easier to walk and cycle between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent.
“With its focus on vehicles, this large interchange is currently a significant barrier to travel on foot, in wheelchairs, or by bike. Pedestrian or cyclist access on the roundabout’s approaches are impeded by traffic, and it’s difficult for partially sighted people, or those with limited mobility, to make a connection across it.
“Once these works are completed, we hope more people will be able to reach their destination quickly and safely by choosing to walk or cycle.
“Improved active travel networks are being delivered in Wallyford which has seen sizeable population growth in recent years due to house building. The council’s construction of new path providing a safe route for pupils attending Wallyford Primary will also be completed shortly.”
Mr Ogg, Managing Director of Akela Construction, said: “Akela Construction is pleased to continue supporting East Lothian Council in delivering these important improvements at Wallyford Toll.
“Over the past four months, our team has worked closely with the council to ensure the project progresses safely, efficiently and with as little disruption as possible. It will be great to see the positive impact the works will have on accessibility and active travel in the area.
“We are proud to be able to show the progress made on site and to look forward to completing the next phase of improvements that will help create safer, more inclusive routes for everyone who walks, wheels or cycles through this key junction.”
Temporary traffic lights have been in operation at various points during the works but have been limited to overnight as much as possible. The site was also cleared for a two-week break over the Christmas period.
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