|
The Scottish Government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review does not provide any timetable or committed funding for transport projects in Perthshire.
Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has criticised the SNP Government for not providing a set timetable or committing funding to the A9 and other Perthshire transport projects.
On the A9, the Strategic Transport Projects Review states:
“The proposed upgrade to the A9 would take place over two major phases. Phase one would include providing grade separated junctions on the A9 between Keir Roundabout and south of Broxden Roundabout, dual carriageway from Perth to Blair Atholl, grade separation at the Broxden and Inveralmond roundabouts and climbing lanes, overtaking sections and junction improvements between Blair Atholl and Inverness.
“Phase two would see dual carriageway introduced between Aviemore and Inverness and Blair Atholl and Aviemore.
“Cost estimate: Phase one - £500m to £1bn, Phase two - £1.5bn to £3bn.”
Commenting on the STPR, Murdo said:
“This is a huge disappointment for everyone involved in the campaign for necessary dualling of the A9 between Perth to Inverness. Far from delivering on their pledges to dual the A9, today SNP Ministers have booted the project well in to the long grass.
“Whilst the STPR identifies the dualling of the A9 in two phases, there is no timetable set for this work even to commence, and no commitment of budgets. Indeed, the Minister said that the Forth Replacement Crossing will dominate the Government’s investment programme until it is opened in 2016, which suggests that we will have to wait at least 10 years before we start to see expenditure on dualling the A9. This is simply not good enough.
“I have highlighted on many occasions in the past the need for urgent investment in the A9 to reduce the appalling accident statistics. It is Scotland’s deadliest road with the unfortunate statistic of having the highest death rate of all of Scotland’s roads. Every year the A9 claims more lives and we must remember that every fatal accident recorded is an accident that devastates a family and a community.
“Today we are no further forward than we were in May 2007 when the SNP Government was elected. We are no closer to knowing when A9 dualling works will commence. This whole statement is a damp squib and a blow to the hopes of many in Perthshire and the North of Scotland who have been led to believe by SNP Ministers that dualling the A9 was a priority.”
|
