A total of £1.4million has been granted to carry out preparatory works for a new relief road and spur road in Midlothian.

The Midlothian Local Development Plan includes proposals for a new road to relieve traffic congestion on the existing A701 and to provide a new link road between the A703 and the A702.

The existing A701 would be upgraded as a primary route for public transport, walking and cycling, while the new A702 spur road would provide improved access from the strategic road network to the Easter Bush campus, where major science-based academic, research and manufacturing premises are located.

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The preparatory works, which will include a comprehensive ground conditions survey and other technical work, will be fully funded by financial contributions from developers, such as house builders, who were required to provide this funding as part of local planning agreements.

The preparatory work is expected to begin this autumn and will involve working with Transport Scotland, as the trunk roads authority, as the proposed scheme links into a trunk road at each end (the A720 bypass and A702 road).

Midlothian Council's cabinet member for Communities and Economy, Councillor Russell Imrie, welcomed the decision to proceed with the project.

"This decision will be widely welcomed by residents and road users, as well as those who rely on public transport or are cyclists or walkers," said Councillor Imrie. "It has long been recognised that there is a need to make improvements to the A701, which is why developers in that area have been required to make a financial contribution towards the work. Any future developments in the A701 corridor will also be expected to contribute towards the road improvements."

(CD)