Thursday November 20th 2025
Wallyford Toll Roundabout
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Work on improvements to a busy roundabout to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent are set to begin on Monday, 24 November.
The Wallyford Toll Roundabout will be made more accessible for active travel while also improving traffic flows under the project being delivered by East Lothian Council.
Construction is primarily scheduled to take place at night to minimise disruption with completion expected by the end of March. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation at various points during the works, but this will be limited to overnight as far as possible, and the site will be cleared for a two-week break over the Christmas period.
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.
Transport Scotland are providing over £1.15 million to fully fund the redesign.
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.
Councillor John McMillan, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“Being a large interchange with a focus on vehicles, Wallyford Toll Roundabout is currently a significant barrier to travel on foot, in wheelchairs, or by bike.
“Traffic severs any existing pedestrian or cyclist provision on the roundabout’s approaches, and there is no easy way for partially sighted people, or those with limited mobility, to make a connection across it.
“The improvements starting construction on Monday are a key part of a long-term strategy to make it easier to walk and cycle between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent. We hope more people will choose to walk or cycle, knowing they can reach their destination quickly and safely.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“I’m pleased that over £1.15 million from the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund is supporting East Lothian Council’s redesign of the Wallyford Toll Roundabout. This investment will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent, while improving connections across the region.
“The introduction of new crossings, widened pavements and segregated cycle paths will make it safer for people and communities. In doing so, we’re making it easier to choose healthier, more sustainable ways to get around, while maintaining access for buses and larger vehicles.
“This project is part of our wider commitment to creating inclusive, connected communities. In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport – helping people save money, improve health, and protect the climate.”
Robert Ogg, Managing Director of Akela Construction, said:
“We’re proud to be working with East Lothian Council on this important infrastructure upgrade, the first Active Travel Improvement Works project we’ve secured through the Scottish Government’s Civil Engineering Dynamic Purchasing System.
“The improvements at Wallyford Toll will make a real difference to how people move around the area, creating safer, more accessible routes for everyone who walks, wheels or cycles. Our team will be working hard to deliver the project efficiently and safely, with minimal disruption to local residents and road users.”
ScottishPower Energy Networks recently carried out works at Wallyford Toll while developers are set to conduct their own works at the site in the coming weeks.
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