Transport projects on the right route
It’s been a busy few weeks since I last wrote for the Hamilton Advertiser with a number of highlights in the calendar and some great moments for Scotland too.
I was delighted to see the M8/M73/M74 improvement project delivered and officially opened by the First Minister in August; the project has I know for many been a disruption but I truly hope that it will be worth it.
Importantly, this investment not only results in shorter journey times but it also delivers for our sustainability goals too, with less traffic being parked up and waiting we have less emissions.
It is set against the backdrop of investment in our economy with the project resulting in a more attractive environment to do business; connecting up our major cities and promoting employment.
I recognise that there are still those who have ongoing concern about the project now it has opened and I remain committed to listening and supporting them to obtain the necessary information and support.
I’m aware of the issue at the Bothwell Road roundabout and the traffic lights that have been erected and I continue to have ongoing dialogue with the local authority and the Scottish Government on this matter.
Of course, the M8 project isn’t the only infrastructure project to have been opened since we last speak - as the Queensferry Crossing was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen joined by the Duke of Edinburgh at Rosyth on Monday September 4.
The bridge is an impressive new link across the Forth; connecting up communities; reducing journey times; supporting the economy and importantly future proofing our connections and infrastructure.
It’s incredible to think that from conception to delivery and now in use, the crossing took 10 years to build. That is a tribute to the hard work of the many thousands of men and women who built her – and I hope that many local people will get the chance to marvel at the bridge in coming months and years.
Closer to home I continue to hold regular surgeries; all of which can be found at www. Richardlylemsp.org and I am busy with the many cases that local people bring to me.
It truly is a pleasure to help with such a wide variety of issues. As ever my Constituency Office is available for drop in consultation throughout the week - you can find me at : 188 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AE.
You can email me on Richard.lyle.msp@ parliament.scot or call 01698 479900.
Finally, the First Minister launched her ambitious Programme for Government - which sets our ambitions for Education, Health, Justice and importantly our communities as we move into the years ahead including a drive towards greener travel, placing head teachers at the heart of decision making and continuing to deliver investment in Scotland’s economy.
The SNP may have been in Government for the last ten years – and we may have achieved much together for Scotland – but with our Programme for Government we will continue to work each and every day to deliver new, exciting and fresh opportunities for our nation to flourish.