TRAFFIC lights will be put in place at a major roundabout on the edge of East Lothian as part of a £1.2 million scheme aimed at improving safety and the flow of traffic.

The work will be carried out at Old Craighall Roundabout, at the the junction of the A1 and the City of Edinburgh Bypass A720, with sliproads also being widened.

The project gets under way on February 11 and will last for 14 weeks – the roundabout will remain open during the day during the construction phase but will be closed from 9pm to 6am each evening with diversions in place.

Road operating company Amey says the work will benefit the 45,000 vehicles that use the roundabout each day by improving the flow of traffic.

Michael Matheson MSP, transport secretary, said: “We are investing £1.2m in the A1/A720 as part of Transport Scotland’s strategic road safety programme for the south east.

“Amey will be signalising the roundabout and widening a number of slip roads and part of the carriageway.

“This will contribute to improved road safety as priority at the roundabout will be clearer and traffic will be better able to negotiate key parts of the junction.

“I want to thank road users in advance for their patience as the works are completed.

“While there may be some disruption, this will result in a safer and more efficient Old Craighall Roundabout, with reduced hazards and better traffic flows for those travelling on the route.”

During the evening closures of the roundabout, traffic travelling eastbound on the A720 will be diverted to exit at Millerhill Junction and will join the A68. At the A68 Dalkeith/Whitecraig Junction, traffic will join the northbound A6094 and at the next junction will follow signage to join the A1 and the diversion will end.

A1 westbound traffic will follow the same diversion route in the opposite direction. A1 traffic travelling towards the A720 will exit at the A1 Wallyford Junction and follow the same diversion route.

The main A1 carriageway will remain open throughout the works, and is not affected by the night-time closures.

Speed restrictions will be in place at the roundabout during the day.

The work has been planned in consultation with Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland, emergency services, local businesses, and City of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian councils.