WORK on more than half a dozen projects to encourage people to walk and cycle around East Lothian will get under way within a matter of weeks.

Schemes in Musselburgh, Prestonpans, North Berwick and Dunbar are all planned for throughout the winter.

East Lothian Council’s active travel team has already surfaced a path under the railway at Monktonhall Place, Musselburgh, to create a link between the area and neighbouring Queen Margaret University and the town’s railway station.

The schemes are being brought forward as the team looks to utilise Scottish Government funding.

Councillor John McMillan, council cabinet member for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “It is exciting to be delivering on our commitments to improve health and wellbeing through the reduction of carbon emissions, resulting in improved air quality.

“Across the county we are delivering high-quality infrastructure for walking, cycling and wheeling.

“Our active travel team is working closely with the area partnerships to identify local priorities for improvements going forward and to make the most of the external funding available.

“I would encourage anyone interested in the development of active travel in East Lothian to go online and discover what has been delivered or planned for their local area.”

Among the projects being taken forward is the construction of a new route to Wallyford Primary School from the village’s Fa’side Avenue North.

Also planned for over the winter are:

  • Crossing of A199 at Pinkie Playing Fields, Musselburgh;
  • Path to train station journey hub at Mid Road, Prestonpans;
  • Link path on Gardiner Terrace, Prestonpans;
  • Crossing of Summerfield Road, Dunbar;
  • Raised table at junction of Quality Street/High Street, North Berwick;
  • Enabling works at the south access to Dunbar Railway Station;
  • Creation of an accessible route to Preston Tower Primary School, Prestonpans.

Future projects include a “full redesign” of Wallyford Toll roundabout to better connect Tranent, Musselburgh, Prestonpans and Wallyford for those walking or cycling, and improved active travel facilities on Haddington’s Tynebank Road.

Additionally, design work is being carried out with a view to replacing and upgrading the bridge over the River Tyne at Riverside Drive in Haddington; improving walking and cycling links between Elphinstone and Tranent; and improving pedestrian and cycling links from Levenhall to Prestonpans.