Transport

The Scottish Government is committed to investing £140m on strategic transport improvements as part of this City Region Deal.

This specifically includes up to £120 million to support improvements to the A720 City Bypass for the grade separation of Sheriffhall Roundabout and £20 million investment to support public transport infrastructure improvements identified by the West Edinburgh Transport Appraisal.

West edinburgh

The vision for West Edinburgh, as identified by Scottish Government’s National Planning Policy (NFP3), can only be delivered through the investment in a strategic package of transportation improvements.

These improvements include a core package of A8/A89 sustainable transportation measures that provide long term resilience and support strong connectivity between neighbouring authorities, and importantly enable the supply of the increased labour supply demands required, to deliver the full economic potential of West Edinburgh.

Current Status: The project proposition is at the feasibility study stage.

A consultation on public transport and active travel improvements along the A8/A89 corridor between Broxburn and Maybury was launched on 13 July 2023, and will run to 5 September 2023.

Have your say via the City of Edinburgh Council’s Consultation Hub webpage.

a720 (sheriffhall roundabout)

Transport Scotland will manage and deliver the upgrade of Sheriffhall Roundabout. The preferred option is a grade separated junction which separates local traffic from the strategic traffic on the A720 (city bypass) and when complete will allow the traffic on the bypass to flow freely, improving road safety and journey times for all road users, bringing improved economic benefits and inclusion across Edinburgh and South-East Scotland. It will improve accessibility for all modes of transport including walking and cycling.

Current Status: Joint Committee ratified their support for the scheme as published on 3 September 2021 [PDF], following the consideration of further technical information.

Following publication of Draft Orders and the Environmental Statement for the proposed Scheme in December 2019, the number of sustained objections dictated that a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) was required. The PLI, overseen by an independent Reporter appointed by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of Scottish Government (DPEA) was held in early-2023. Following conclusion of the PLI, the Reporter’s report was issued to the Scottish Government in October 2023 and is currently being considered before a decision is made on whether to proceed with the statutory process for the proposed Scheme as promoted..

Last updated: 14 January 2025