Since the 1960s the A1 trunk road has severed nearby Spott from the nearby coast and from Dunbar, and there is a desire from our small community to restore safe walking and cycling links.
In 2013, Sustaining Dunbar commissioned a study to identify where safer walking and cycling connections were needed. This reviewed data which was collected in a wide-ranging household survey in 2010 and focused on responses from settlements around Spott and Innerwick.
Later that year, further work was undertaken to review the existing pedestrian and cycle routes and regarding Spott village, and it was noted:
4.1 Spott Village to the A1
The exit of Spott village downhill towards Dunbar is narrow, has blind corners and no obvious space for a roadside path. Once further away from the village Spott Road is more open and a safer prospect, though it is subject to fast moving traffic.
Alternative routes were investigated, notably the suggestion that a new path could be created from Wester Broomhouse or the Pleasance directly into Spott. The topography of the deep and steeply-sided valley or Dean through which the Spott Burn runs in makes this unfeasible.
The existing alternative route from Doon Bridge via Wester Broomhouse, and thence to Dunbar via a little used underpass does offer a good alternative, even though the exit from the village to Doon Bridge still has to be undertaken. However, the path itself begins with a closed gate and a lack of signage at Doon Bridge, and certainly does not invite use. Again at the Dunbar end, there is no signage.
Recommendations:
1. Encourage use of existing alternative route by creating finger post signage… Seek landowner permission for these as required, on advice from East Lothian Council.
2. Encourage use of existing alternative route by removing gate at Doon Bridge. Seek landowner/ ELC permission for this.
3. Further investigate the feasibility of an off-road route from Spott village to Doon Bridge.
4.2 Spott Roundabout on A1
The pedestrian crossing of the A1 at the Spott Roundabout is located on the northbound side of the roundabout. It is a direct crossing with a bitmac surface, but there is little feeling of security for the user, particularly when standing on the central reservation. There are no traffic barriers to protect pedestrians. The cable barrier on the central reservation terminates 10 to 20m further away from the roundabout.
Requests have been put to Transport Scotland to create a staggered crossing to comply with the [Scottish Government’s] Cycling by Design specification. The relevant parts are Section 7.2.1.5 Crossing an All-Purpose Dual Carriageway, and Figure 7.5 giving a layout.
In addition, Transport Scotland have been requested to install traffic barriers, particularly on the central reservation.
Subsequently, traffic barriers and warning signs have been erected on the crossing of the A1. But being a fast and busy trunk road, the route is still not inviting.
The Sustaining Dunbar project has not been progressed further. Spott Community Association are now seek to build upon this and have undertaken a feasibility study to identify whether a safe route can be opened up.