The works will involve a complete resurfacing of the road surface and installation of a segregated 2 way cycleway project.
Following a tender process, contractors have been appointed and they have confirmed a site start date of 21 September 2026, with an outline construction programme lasting approximately 24 weeks.
The works include installation of the new cycleway from the railway bridge at Blackburn Road and terminating at the west side of King Street Car Park, with the replacement of several uncontrolled crossing points with new controlled crossings. This part of the works is predominantly funded through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, which is ring-fenced funding to deliver active travel improvements.
The entire carriageway and the majority of the southern footway, approximately 1.2km in length will also be resurfaced between Guildiehaugh Roundabout and the crossing point at King Street Car Park. The entirety of Guildiehaugh Roundabout will also be resurfaced during the works. This is funded by West Lothian Council.
The work is planned to be completed over three phases, starting towards the east end at Guildiehaugh Roundabout and moving westwards. Traffic management arrangements and future phases will be communicated in due course ahead of the works. The 24 week timescale mainly relates to the installation of the new kerb lines, traffic lights, street lighting, removing existing traffic islands and resetting of ironwork. The resurfacing element of each section takes less time to complete but the traffic management will need to be in place throughout to ensure there is sufficient space for the contractor to work safely and efficiently.
An open tender process was required to procure a contractor to complete the works. The new start date on site is slightly later than originally anticipated, which is mainly due to the procurement and contract award timescales for this major work. Despite the project being progressed through procurement since March this year, tender returns, evaluations and contract award have taken slightly longer than anticipated, with the aim to ensure best value for the council. Traffic Regulation Orders for road redetermination and implementation of new waiting restrictions have also been progressing since February this year.
More details will follow over the coming weeks.
