Scottish Minister Visits Wallyford Toll as £1.5m Active Travel Upgrade Nears Completion

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP visited Wallyford Toll on Friday to view progress on a £1.5 million redesign aimed at improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

The renovation project, led by East Lothian Council and funded in full by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, began in November and is expected to conclude at the end of March.

The scheme focuses on making it easier to travel between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent without relying on a car. Wallyford Toll, a large vehicle-dominated roundabout, has long been regarded as a barrier to safe active travel in the area.

Upgrades include widened pavements and cycle routes, alongside the installation of three new toucan crossings to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely at key points around the junction.

Speaking during the visit, 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.”

She added that the Scottish Government is investing more than £188 million in active and sustainable transport in 2025/26 to support similar projects across the country.

“In doing so, we’re helping more people to save money, improve health and reduce emissions,” she said.

Addressing a Long-Standing Barrier

East Lothian Provost John McMillan, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said the project forms part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity across the region.

“With its focus on vehicles, this large interchange is currently a significant barrier to travel on foot, in wheelchairs or by bike,” he said.

“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.”

The improvements come as Wallyford has experienced significant population growth in recent years due to new housing developments. The council is also nearing completion of a new path providing a safer route for pupils attending Wallyford Primary School.

Pupils from the school attended the ministerial visit and tested sections of the new cycle paths.

Construction Progress

Contractor Akela Construction has been delivering the works over the past four months.

Managing Director Robert Ogg 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.”