Bush Loan Junction Upgrade Reaches Final Design Stage as Major City Deal Project Hits Halfway Mark

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As one of the flagship infrastructure investments of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Bush Loan junction upgrade has now moved into its final design phase. Midlothian Council has confirmed that engineers are preparing detailed designs following planning approval, with contractor appointment expected in mid‑2026 and construction scheduled to begin later this year.

Supporting economic growth

The Deal, launched in 2018 and now at the halfway point of its 15‑year programme, has already contributed £3.6 billion to regional economic growth. The Bush Loan improvement will support further expansion of the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush Campus near Penicuik, Midlothian, home to one of six Data‑Driven Innovation hubs funded through the City Region Deal. These hubs are accelerating innovation across key sectors, with the Easter Bush Agritech Hub advancing data‑driven research and industry collaboration to position the region as a global centre for agritech and veterinary excellence.

At the heart of AI

Easter Bush’s importance continues to grow. Last year, the UK Government confirmed up to £750 million in funding for the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Computing Facility at Easter Bush, which will host the UK's next national supercomputer—placing the region at the heart of national efforts in AI and high‑performance computing.

Shaped by public feedback

The existing Bush Loan junction has longstanding safety and visibility issues, including the lack of a dedicated right‑turn lane from the A702. The approved scheme, shaped by public and stakeholder feedback, will replace the junction with a new roundabout designed to:

 Improve safety for vehicles joining and leaving Bush Loan

  • Reduce traffic speeds on the A702

  • Support safer, more reliable access to key employment and research sites

  • Enable future development across the Midlothian Science Zone by addressing Transport Scotland’s safety concerns

Work has progressed

Since planning consent was granted, early works have progressed, including archaeological assessments, ecology surveys and ongoing technical discussions with Transport Scotland. Ground investigations are being finalised, and consultants are bringing together the remaining information required for the final tender package.

Next steps

Once detailed design work concludes, next steps will include:

 Final agreement on land access

  • Competitive tendering of the works

  • Completion of contract documentation

  • Appointment of a contractor in summer 2026

  • Construction starting before the end of 2026

  • Targeted completion in 2027

Wider proposals

The Bush Loan upgrade is linked to the wider A701 Relief Road and A702 Spur Road proposals, which remain under consideration by the planning authority.

Local benefits

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads, Councillor Dianne Alexander, said the project will “deliver long‑term safety improvements, support local growth and strengthen connections between communities, education and employment.”

City region Deal joint support

The £1.3 billion City Region Deal is jointly supported by £300 million each from the Scottish and UK Governments, bringing together local authorities, universities and government to support economic growth, improve travel and widen opportunities across the region.