Improving travel connections along the A7 corridor to make it easier to walk, wheel or cycle and connect with public transport

In-person events are scheduled for:

• Thursday 20 February, 15:30-19:45 Newbattle Community Learning Centre, 67 Gardiner Place, Newtongrange, EH22 4RT
• Saturday 8 March, 10:30-12:45 at Dalkeith Arts Centre, 2 White Hart Street, Dalkeith, EH22 1AE

1. What is the purpose of this project? The purpose of this project is to enhance the safety and convenience of walking, wheeling and cycling, and creating better connections between neighbouring communities for everyday journeys. Currently, many sections of the project area lack the adequate infrastructure for safe and comfortable walking, wheeling, or cycling. By introducing new infrastructure, we aim to support increased active travel. Additionally, the project has the potential to create new interchanges with existing active travel routes and with public transport services.
    
2. When is the project expected to be completed? The advance works are expected to be completed in 2025/2026. These include new bus laybys and new signal-controlled crossings on the A7 to the north and south of the Melville Dykes Road roundabout; a new footway along the A7 between the Melville Dykes road roundabout and the Eskbank Road roundabout. They also include footway improvements at and near Lothian Bridge on the A7 and on Carrington Road, and a new signal-controlled crossing near the A7 / Carrington Road junction.
   
   The main study will prepare concept designs in summer 2025. Development of detailed designs and construction will be subject to future funding agreements and consents. We will provide further opportunities to review the designs as they develop and advise on construction timescales once they are known.
    
3. What is the necessity to provide for active travel or alter the junctions associated with the route? Midlothian Council is committed to providing better access for walking, wheeling and cycling, as well as making it easier to access to local shops, services and public transport. Feedback from the community so far has raised major safety concerns for people walking, wheeling or cycling at multiple locations across the study area.
    
4. How will the new infrastructure affect traffic flow? Any new infrastructure proposals will consider the potential impact on existing and future travel patterns, including traffic and congestion. Efforts will be taken during the design process to reduce the impact of potential delays to vehicles while ensuring safer access for people walking wheeling and cycling.
    
5. Will the proposals introduce any restrictions on existing traffic movements? All roads within the study area are proposed to remain two-way for general traffic.
    
6. Will there be any road closures or diversions during construction? Yes, there may be temporary road closures or diversions to ensure the safety of both the public and construction workers. We will provide advance notice and clear signage to minimise inconvenience.
    
7. How will the new bus stops be integrated into the existing network? The new bus stops will be strategically placed to ensure easy access for passengers and to complement the existing public transport network.
    
8. What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists? Safety is our top priority. We will be implementing reduced vehicle speeds along the corridor in advance of the project being completed to improve road safety for all road users. The new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists will include features such as dedicated lanes, new crossings, clearer signage, and new and improved lighting.
    
9. How will this project benefit the local community? The main benefit of the project would be providing a safer and more direct connection between growing communities in Midlothian. This would be provided in an area where infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling is minimal.
    
10. Are there any proposals to plant trees/greenery as part of the project? Where appropriate, proposals will be developed to enhance the quality of greenspaces and improve the biodiversity across the study.  Proposals for the design and maintenance of greenspaces will be considered further in later design stages. 
     
11. How can the public provide feedback on the project? We welcome public feedback and encourage people to share their thoughts and concerns. Feedback can be provided through our public survey, at public consultation events, or by contacting our project team. Hard copies of the project survey are available at local libraries and community centres.
     
12. How will the project be funded? The project is currently being funded to concept design stage by Transport Scotland, through their Places for Everyone fund. Future funding once confirmed is expected to be through a combination of local government funding, active travel infrastructure funding and contributions from local developments.
     
13. The ‘About You’ questions are intrusive and not relevant to the subject of the survey. Midlothian Council is required to complete an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) which demonstrates that they have considered the needs of all users. Asking these questions allows us to ensure the needs of protected characteristics and marginalised groups are considered. The questions in the ‘About You’ section are optional and are based on similar questions in Scotland’s Census. The questions will remain anonymised, and will be treated in accordance with the council’s GDPR policies.

In processing your personal data, the council and Stantec must comply with data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data will only be collected and processed for the specific purpose of the survey. All personal data processed under the survey will be securely stored for a period of no more than 12 months and all survey results will remain anonymous. No additional processing of personal data will be undertaken by Stantec and your personal data will not be shared with any other third parties.

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