MSP welcomes A9 dualling review
A Scottish Green MSP has welcomed a review of the A9 dualling project.
The PA reported last week that Transport Scotland was taking stock of the £3 billion programme to ensure it is delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Mid-Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell believes the money could be invested elsewhere to “enhance tourism and transport options”.
The Scottish Green MSP conceded there are safety grounds to dual some sections of the A9 between Perth and Inverness, but questioned going ahead with the whole project.
Mr Ruskell told the PA: “Spending billions of pounds on a massive roads project while rail links between Perth and Inverness remain largely unchanged since the Victorian era was always a mistake in the face of a climate emergency.
“I would welcome a review of the project at this point.
“Undoubtedly there is a case for completing some sections on the grounds of safety. But as a whole this project will be hugely disruptive to host communities, especially in Highland Perthshire, and will inevitably drive traffic levels ever higher.
“There are far better investments that can enhance tourism and transport options.”
The programme to dual 80 miles of the A9 between Perth and Inverness was due to be completed by 2025 - a deadline First Minister Nicola
Sturgeon last week admitted was “ambitious.”
There are 30 miles of the route which are already dual carriageway.
The project aims to dual the remaining 80 miles in 11 sections. The section between Kincraig and Dalraddy in the Highlands region was the first section of the project to be completed.
Transport Scotland has said construction of the section between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam is “progressing well and currently due to complete in winter 2021”.
But the design and development of the entire project has been impacted by the pandemic and the economic climate has also changed.
Due to the significance and scale of the project, Transport Scotland is reviewing the dualling programme to ensure public money is spent appropriately.
Locally in Perth and Kinross residents have raised concerns about planned road upgrades linked to the A9 and whether or not they are now in jeopardy.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council told the PA road upgrades would be considered as part of the council’s annual capital budget process.
The PKC spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council undertakes an annual review of its capital programme in line with the budget process, therefore consideration for any road upgrades linked to the A9 will be included within that review alongside the main other priorities that the council has.”