West Lothian Council Executive is expected to approve a significant funding package today, Tuesday 13 January, aimed at enhancing and encouraging active travel across the region.

The total investment, drawn from several successful grant applications, is strictly ring-fenced for projects that promote walking, wheeling, and cycling.

The largest portion of the investment comes from a £1,319,000 capital grant allocated by Transport Scotland for the 2025/26 period. Under the terms of the grant, these funds must be committed to specific projects by 31 March 2026. Council officers have identified several priority schemes to benefit from this windfall:

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• B7066 Whitburn: £990,000 to construct a cycle link from Armadale Road to the Polkemmet Roundabout.

• A904 Improvements: £150,000 for junction upgrades at Duntarvie and Abercorn.

• Dixon Terrace, Whitburn: £129,000 to progress the design of a new cycleway.

• Accessibility: £50,000 dedicated to removing physical barriers to travel across various local sites.

In addition to the capital works, the council has secured nearly £150,000 through Transport Scotland’s 'People and Place' programme. This money is earmarked for the promotion of active travel maps and the 'play on the way' initiative, which encourages pupils to walk to school.

Further successful bids include £85,500 awarded in November 2025 to fund early design work for two new schemes: one connecting Threemiletown to Uphall, and another linking Uphall to Uphall Station.

The council has also received £121,900 from the SEStran People and Place Fund. This specific allocation is intended for educational programmes designed to support and encourage young people to choose active travel methods for journeys outside of school hours.

The Council Executive will meet today to formalise the allocation of these funds against the identified projects.