Notoriously bad Hillend junction to get traffic lights

Wednesday November 20th 2024

A702-A703-junction

Viewed from the A703, the junction with the A702 at Hillend.

Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

A notoriously bad junction in Midlothian is about to get new traffic lights. For years Midlothian residents have wanted something to be done on the A702 near Hillend, at the junction with the A703 and Old Pentland Road.

The junction has been the scene of numerous accidents and is also a traffic bottleneck as motorists struggle to turn right out of the A703.

BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is planning to install traffic signals at the junction in December.

The works will take place over ten nights between the hours of 19:30 and 06:00, beginning on the night of Monday 2 December and concluding on the night of Friday 13 December. No works will take place on the nights of Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 December.

The A702 at this location will be closed in both directions during the works, with a signed diversion route in place between Lothianburn Junction on the A720 and Easter Howgate, via the A720 to Straiton Junction, the A701 and Bush Loan Road. This diversion will add approximately 9 minutes and 3.5 miles to affected journeys.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times, and local access will be provided for residents who live within the closure.

All traffic management will be removed outside of working hours.

Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders in advance of these works to make them aware of the traffic management arrangements and to minimise any inconvenience.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s Southeast Network Manager, said: “These new traffic lights will improve safety for motorists using the junction between the A702, the A703 and Old Pentland Road.

“It is essential for the safety of the workforce that we close the road during the works, however we’ve scheduled them during overnight hours to minimise any disruption.

“We thank road users in advance for their patience.”

Road users are encouraged to plan ahead before setting out by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.

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