Midlothian road upgrade moves forward

A multi-million pound scheme to upgrade part of the A68 took a significant step forward this week.

National transport agency Transport Scotland has published the draft Road Orders, Environmental Statement and the draft Compulsory Purchase Order for the £5 million A68 Pathhead to Tynehead Junction.

This project is part of a wider commitment to a three-scheme improvement package on the A68, worth in excess of £40m. This investment will also deliver the Dalkeith Bypass, due to open to traffic shortly, and the Soutra to Oxton scheme for which early preparations are already under way.

The Pathhead to Tynehead project involves construction of almost two miles of new wide carriageway and improvements to the existing footway/cycleway. Once complete, not only will this provide guaranteed overtaking opportunities on both the north and southbound carriageways it will also deliver new right-turn facilities at all remaining junctions and increased visibility across Fala Tunnel.

Alongside the Dalkeith Bypass and the Soutra to Oxton scheme, this will bring real benefits to communities and businesses across the south east of Scotland through improved traffic flow and journey times.

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson said:

"We welcome this latest milestone in the development of a three-scheme package of improvements for the A68, a key commuter route in south east Scotland. The combination of these schemes will provide a significant boost to the local economy while helping to ease congestion and improve safety in Midlothian.

"Local communities adjacent to the A68 will see real benefits from these improved links particularly when the Dalkeith Bypass opens later this year."

For more information see A68 Pathhead to Tynehead Project