Report on ‘blackspot’ road is again delayed
Transport Scotland has again delayed a report on the safety of the A84 road through Blairdrummond.
There have been longstanding concerns over the stretch of the A84, at the entrance to Blair Drummond Safari Park, and the nearby junction with the A873 to Thornhill where there have been numerous accidents.
People in the area were first advised the report – which will explore road safety options for the two junctions – would be released this summer but it was delayed until November.
It is not now expected to be completed until the end of January.
Last month, the Observer reported that Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford had received assurances that the report would be finished by the end of November.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart was updated on the status of the study last week.
He was informed that the report had taken longer than anticipated to complete and would be subject to further consideration by Transport Scotland before being finalised by stakeholders.
Mr Lockhart said: “The communities will be frustrated at this latest delay to the report into what options are available at this dangerous road junction.
“I appreciate the ongoing dialogue with Transport Scotland about progress on the report, but constant delays and promising completion dates which are then not fulfilled is not acceptable.
“I will do all I can to continue to press for clarification and will keep the communities updated.”
Trossachs and Teith Councillor Jeremy McDonald added: “Transport Scotland officials must now publish this important report as soon as possible.
“Communities will be as frustrated at these constant delays as I am. This is serious, the junction is a fatal accident waiting to happen. I will work with all involved to ensure that the report is completed.”
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said: “Given the strategic importance of the A84 trunk road and the significant economic benefit delivered to the community by the safari park, we have asked our Operating Company to undertake a feasibility study to improve traffic flow on the A84 at this location.”
“We understand that both the community and stakeholders are keen to receive the final report and we anticipate that we will be in a position to make this report available early in the new year.
“We will then meet with interested parties following its publication.”