New traffic lights planned for A701
TRAFFIC lights, which are to be erected along the A701, will improve the flow of public transport, it has been claimed.
Midlothian Council has announced a series of works to be carried out between Milton Bridge and the Sainsbury's roundabout at Straiton.
The 1.5 million project will introduce bus priority lanes. Work is scheduled to start this month and be completed by March.
The work will involve the creation of northbound bus lanes. In addition, new traffic signals will be installed at selected locations including the Auchendinny junction, Ploverhall roundabout, Nivensknowe junction and the IKEA roundabout.
A pedestrian toucan crossing will be erected north of the Gowkley Moss roundabout and new locations for bus stops will be created along the stretch of road.
Midlothian Council's strategic services spokesman Councillor Russell Imrie said: "With the growth in new houses planned for Midlothian and surrounding areas, it is important that we act now to make sure there are sustainable transport options available to meet current and future demand.
"The improvements to the A701 will introduce bus priority measures, as well as new cycle lanes and pedestrian crossing facilities.
"As part of this work, new traffic lights will be installed at some junctions to improve public transport movements and to help make traffic manoeuvres safer for all road users."
However, there was concern at last week's Loanhead and District Community Council meeting about the installation of traffic lights along the A701 and how they may hinder the flow of traffic.
Community councillor Harry Jamieson suggested that roundabouts were a more suited form traffic measure. "At least you get a turn then," he said.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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