Lothianburn Junction | Trial Measures To Ease Traffic

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland is set to implement a package of trial measures designed to improve traffic flows around Lothianburn Junction, where the A702 crosses the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.

New road markings and temporary changes to the road layout will be put in place on the roundabouts north and south of the city bypass, and at the entrance to the Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend.

These measures have been designed to improve traffic flow on the roundabouts, reduce queue-jumping, improve lane discipline and reduce delays on the A720 eastbound off-slip.

Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland, Midlothian Council and the City of Edinburgh Council worked together to develop the plans, informed by analysis of traffic flows following the installation of two new sets of traffic lights on the A702 last year, as well as feedback from road users and local residents.

Changes will include modifications to directional lane markings on the A720 and A702.

On the roundabout north of the A720, traffic cones and new road markings will be installed to encourage lane discipline for vehicles to the A720 eastbound on-slip, and closure of the circulatory carriageway to prevent ‘sling shot’ manoeuvres (360 degree turns to beat the southbound queue).

On the roundabout south of the A720, a section after the A702 southbound exit will be closed off with traffic cones to prevent improve lane discipline and ‘cutting in’.

New box junction markings will be installed at the entrance to the snowsports centre.

Works to install these measures will be carried out under a full road closure between 20:00 and 06:00 on the night of Sunday 9 August. For the safety of motorists and the workforce, the A702 will be closed in both directions from Fairmilehead Junction to the north of Lothianburn Junction, and Bush Loan Road to the south. All slip roads to and from the A720 at Lothianburn Junction will also be closed.

During the overnight closures on 9 Aug, the following signed diversion routes will be in place:

Northbound traffic on the A702 will be directed via Bush Loan Road and the A701 to Straiton Junction, where motorists can either join the A720 or continue onwards to rejoin the A702 at Fairmilehead Junction via Burdiehouse Road and Frogston Road East.
 

Southbound traffic on the A702 will be diverted along Frogston Road East then Burdiehouse Road to Straiton Junction, either to join the A720 eastbound or continue onwards via the A701 to Gowkley Moss Roundabout and then Bush Loan Road to rejoin the A702. Traffic wishing to join the A720 westbound will be diverted from Fairmilehead Junction via Oxgangs Road, Redford Rd and Dreghorn link to join the A720 at Dreghorn.
 

Traffic on the A720 will be directed to the A702 northbound via Dreghorn Junction, Dreghorn Link, Redford Road and Oxgangs Road; and to the A702 southbound via Straiton Junction, the A701 to Gowkley Moss Roundabout and Bush Loan Road.
 

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “Traffic lights that were installed on the A702 last year addressed significant safety concerns at the junction with the A703 and Old Pentland Road, however surveys conducted since then show that southbound journey times have increased and changes in driver behaviour have resulted in longer queues at peak times on the Lothianburn A720 eastbound off-slip.

“In response to this, we’re making adjustments to road markings and layout around Lothianburn Junction. These changes are being implemented on a trial basis and will be followed up by further detailed monitoring of journey times, queue lengths, traffic movements and driver behaviour. The results will then be compared with previous surveys to determine the effectiveness of the changes.

“If monitoring shows a positive impact, these measures may be made permanent. Further improvements may also be considered if additional action is required.”

Relevant stakeholders have been consulted in advance to make them aware of the plans.

All work is weather dependent and subject to postponement or cancellation in the event of adverse conditions.