The initial proposal was to install a four-way traffic signalised controlled junction at Marjoribanks Street, Hopetoun Street, Drumcross Road and Gideon Street. Officers have progressed with the detailed design process, however in order to install a new fully signalised junction, officers must consider how the junction would perform post installation. During this process, a standard traffic count was completed in summer 2025 to progress the design and a model of the proposed signals was developed. This model demonstrated that installation of a fully signalised junction would cause significant traffic congestion and queue lengths on all legs of the junction, thereby resulting that this proposal was not suitable for the location.
Officers then considered other options to improve and promote safe crossing for pedestrians around the junction area, whilst taking into consideration the data gathered for the design. As a result, it is now proposed to install a controlled pedestrian crossing point on Drumcross Road, aligning with the existing path network towards Balbardie Primary School. An uncontrolled crossing of Marjoribanks Street set back from the junction and a further uncontrolled crossing of Gideon Street will also be installed.
Alongside the installation of these new measures, based on the current road condition, it is proposed to re-surface the entire junction, including sections of all approaching streets. This re-surfacing will also extend beyond the eastern junction to Torphichen Street. The other works that will be completed within the area include kerb replacement where required, re-setting of ironwork and gullies, minor footpath works and re-lining of the area.
Prior to the works mentioned above, officers have coordinated with Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) to minimise the impact on the public as far as possible. West Lothian Council have co-ordinated SGN's planned network upgrade prior to the re-surfacing work taking place. This work started on 23 February 2026 and is ongoing at the present time, with the council planning to take over the site from week commencing 16 March 2026 for an anticipated duration of up to 7 weeks.
The LAC report also provided a further update on a nearby project to install a segregated two-way cycle track on Edinburgh Road.
The project is being progressed using the grant award from Transport Scotland, will see the creation of a two-way cycle track to boost active travel options in the area.
The report notes it is the intention to carry out full resurfacing of the carriageway and partial resurfacing of the footway on part of Edinburgh Road and King Street in conjunction with the cycle track project.
Officers have also begun the process of procuring a contractor ahead of a summer 2026 construction start.
