A Highlands and Islands MSP is demanding answers from the Scottish Government after it was reported that the planned dualling of the A9 and A96 trunk roads could be delayed for years, with some speculation that the two projects have been effectively shelved.
Doubt was cast over Scottish ministers’ commitment to the schemes – an SNP manifesto pledge – after it was revealed by a spokesman from Transport Scotland that it has removed consideration of the dualling schemes from its Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), despite Transport Scotland officials telling MSPs in 2019 that the review would consider the future of both schemes.
Speaking ahead of raising the issue with Nicola Sturgeon at this Wednesday’s First Minister’s Questions. Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“The SNP made a cast-iron commitment to the people of the Highlands and Islands that these roads would be dualled and within clear timescales. They are vital parts of the infrastructure of the region and should be acting as a driver for investment and jobs growth. However, some stretches are simply not fit-for-purpose and are a deterrent to much-needed investment and job creation in my region."
“That is why it is so concerning that it now looks like that SNP ministers are shifting the goalposts on these projects, with the clear threat that completion dates may be shifted”.
Mr Halcro Johnston said this latest uncertainty over investment in the Highlands and Islands was not an isolated example.
“We face an immense challenge to reboot our economy after the ravages of the Covid pandemic and investment in improving local transport infrastructure must be part of that. However, communities across the Highlands and Islands are already up in arms because of the failure – despite umpteen promises from SNP ministers over their 14 years in power – to upgrade the trunk road network."
“The A83 and A82, which serve much of the West Highlands are afflicted with potholes, frequently closed to traffic and, despite the pleas of local residents and businesses, look likely to stay that way for years. And now, on top of that, we have serious concern over whether the Scottish Government will meet its own commitment on dualling the A9 and A96, vital roads which serve most of the rest of my region."
“This is simply unacceptable and the SNP need to remember that there is more to Scotland than just the Central Belt.”
More on this story here: https://www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk/Doubts-arise-over-Scotlands-major-dualling-progammes/8846
