Construction has started on the first phase of the West Edinburgh Link (WEL), with contractor Balfour Beatty beginning work on 3 December. The programme is expected to run until summer 2026.

The scheme will upgrade provision for cycling, walking and accessibility around one of Scotland’s key business parks, while improving links for nearby communities to workplaces, shops, leisure and education.

WEL will also connect to major active travel routes into the city centre, including Quiet Route 8, the Union Canal and the Water of Leith Path.

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Phase one includes new segregated cycleways on South Gyle Access and Bankhead Avenue, alongside widening, new surfacing and better lighting on the Torwood Path.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “It’s brilliant to see this new work getting underway in the west of the city.

“Properly connecting our communities and encouraging our residents to travel in more sustainable and healthy ways remain key priorities for us. WEL is an important project under our ambitious City Mobility Plan as we keep Edinburgh moving.

“From revitalising active travel provision on the Torwood Path to improving access to Edinburgh College at Sighthill, alongside a host of other improvements, I’ve no doubt that local people will experience real benefits once this transformational project is complete.”