East Lothian Council and Sustrans will be taking a fresh look at potential options for developing a safer link to cycle between Drem and Gullane.
A comprehensive study, published in August 2019, concluded that a route was not viable at that time.
Sustrans has since reviewed the study and suggested new options where part of the route is created as an ‘on road’ solution, rather than as a route segregated from the carriageway.
As a result East Lothian Council officers will, in due course, take a fresh look at the previous feasibility study to re-assess the possible options for delivery of the route.
The timing of this evaluation work is subject to confirmation given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on operations.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said:
“We are committed to identifying and securing active travel options across East Lothian, building on many such projects to have been delivered in previous years. While the feasibility study on the potential creation of a safer link for cycling between Drem and Gullane did not identify any viable solutions for the route, we welcome the opportunity to take a fresh look having received helpful advice from Sustrans on its requirements.”
A spokesperson from Sustrans said:
"Sustrans is pleased to be working with East Lothian Council and local stakeholders to take a fresh look at design options for a safe active travel route between Drem and Gullane. We know many members of the community have wanted a suitable route for a long time and we are pleased to support them and the council to achieve this ambition."
Drem-Gullane Path Campaign spokesperson, Iain V Monk, said:
“We are delighted that East Lothian Council and Sustrans Scotland are joining forces to take a fresh look at designs for a safe link between Drem and Gullane. We are hugely encouraged by their commitment to make this happen.
“In the midst of a national pandemic and climate change emergency, it is vital that more infrastructure to encourage sustainable and active travel is put in place. We very much look forward to working with council officers, Sustrans staff and other stakeholders to finally make this path a reality."