Construction is set to begin on a new path providing access to Dunbar Railway Station from the south of the town.
East Lothian Council’s plans for the project were first shared with the community several years ago and the resulting feedback has been incorporated into the design.
The new route will have a shallower slope than the existing path to ensure it is more accessible.
In addition, the stone removed from the old wall at the site will be re-used wherever possible and extensive additional planting will be undertaken.
Following completion of works by the council on its land to the south of the railway boundary, Network Rail will continue construction of the path on its land up to the southern railway platform.
The Scottish Government is fully funding both sets of work with £577,000 provided through their Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.
The council works are scheduled to start on Monday, 8 September and take around eight weeks to finish with a pedestrian/cyclist diversion in place for the duration. The railway underpass is generally expected to remain open, but appropriate signage will be erected if a temporary closure becomes necessary.
Valuable addition
The work to connect the new path with the platform on Network Rail land will be carried out by Network Rail’s contractor. All works are scheduled to be complete by March 2026.
A parking survey has been conducted along streets on the south side of the rail line, and a follow-up survey will take place once the works are completed. If parking in these residential streets is determined to have increased enough to present a road safety issue, consideration will be given to enacting local parking restrictions.
Cllr Norman Hampshire, leader of East Lothian Council, said: “I’m delighted that construction of the new path will commence shortly following detailed discussions with Dunbar residents over a number of years.
“This path will provide direct access to the southern station platform without rail passengers, including cyclists, having to walk or cycle around to the north station entrance and then cross back over the bridge to access the southern platform.
“We hope this valuable addition to the community will encourage more people to walk or cycle to the station to use the rail network.”
Sustainable transport
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that construction of active travel improvements are underway across Dunbar. With £577,000 invested by the Scottish Government, this will enhance accessibility to the train station and support more sustainable travel choices for everyday journeys.
“This project reflects the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to active travel, forming part of the over £26 million I announced in May for the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund.
“To help local authorities deliver on their ambitions and make walking, wheeling, and cycling easier for shorter everyday journeys, the Scottish Government will invest over £188 million in active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This investment will help people save money, improve health and encourage more people to leave the car at home.”