East Lothian Council is making improvements to the Wallyford Toll Roundabout to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent.
The works will include the installation of three toucan crossings, the narrowing of the road space, and the widening of pavements and cycle paths.
The council aims to improve traffic flow while making the roundabout more accessible for active travel.
Construction will primarily take place at night to minimise disruption, with temporary traffic lights in operation overnight.
The works are scheduled for completion at the end of March.
Councillor John McMillan, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “Being a large interchange with a focus on vehicles, Wallyford Toll Roundabout is currently a significant barrier to travel on foot, in wheelchairs or by bike.
“Traffic severs any existing pedestrian or cyclist provision on the roundabout’s approaches, and there is no easy way for partially sighted people, or those with limited mobility, to make a connection across it.
“The improvements starting construction on Monday are a key part of a long-term strategy to make it easier to walk and cycle between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent.
“We hope more people will choose to walk or cycle, knowing they can reach their destination quickly and safely.”
The roundabout would link in with the Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project, which proposes a segregated cycleway on the A199 Haddington Road connecting Wallyford Toll to Musselburgh.
The Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund is providing more than £1.15 million to help fund the redesign.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: “This investment will make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle between Prestonpans, Wallyford, Musselburgh and Tranent, while improving connections across the region.
“The introduction of new crossings, widened pavements and segregated cycle paths will make it safer for people and communities.
“In doing so, we’re making it easier to choose healthier, more sustainable ways to get around, while maintaining access for buses and larger vehicles.
“This project is part of our wider commitment to creating inclusive, connected communities.
“In 2025-26, the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport – helping people save money, improve health and protect the climate.”
Robert Ogg, managing director of Akela Construction, said: “We’re proud to be working with East Lothian Council on this important infrastructure upgrade, the first active travel improvement works project we’ve secured through the Scottish Government’s civil engineering dynamic purchasing system.
“The improvements at Wallyford Toll will make a real difference to how people move around the area, creating safer, more accessible routes for everyone who walks, wheels or cycles.
“Our team will be working hard to deliver the project efficiently and safely, with minimal disruption to local residents and road users.”