Reappraisal of A90 road plan means 11 years wasted, says MSP.

TRANSPORT: City’s need for new bypass to be reappraised by Scottish Government

Plans for a relief road for the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen dual carriageway are being “reappraised”, according to the Scottish Government.

The need for a new northern bypass was identified by Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government more than a decade ago, during the first Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR).

Since then, no further work has been carried out on the route, which would in theory alleviate traffic on the Kingsway.

North East MSP Bill Bowman raised the issue yesterday with transport secretary Michael Matheson.

Mr Bowman said the reappraisal meant 11 years had been “wasted”.

Mr Matheson said: “The first STPR was published in December 2008 and included as part of a detailed options appraisal the calculation of a scheme cost benefit ratio for a Dundee northern relief road.

“I can confirm Transport Scotland has not carried out any further investigation on STPR since December 2008.

“The second STPR which is under way will reappraise the need for any improvements at this location in order to confirm it remains a priority within the wider strategic transport network in Scotland.”

He said any accident was to be regretted and the government had a clear strategy looking at reducing crashes on Scottish roads.

“Over recent years we have been successful in seeking to do so,” he added.

“Any future investment in the Dundee trunk road network would be considered as part of the STPR 2 process. In relation to local roads in Dundee that’s a matter for the local authority.”

Commenting after the minister’s answer, Mr Bowman said: “Frequently, A90 accidents, breakdowns and signal outages bring the Dundee road network to a standstill.

“The road infrastructure around Dundee needs a rethink, given how long it has been in place.

“The city is often stricken by traffic that other cities would sniff at.

“The absolute minimum would be an upgrade for existing roads allowing a straight drive east and west without hindrance at the Kingsway-forfar Road junction.”

He added: “Instead of wasting 11 years, why don’t we build on the broad outlines of the STPR 2008?

“It might not be a peripheral road that’s the most cost-effective answer but look at the massive benefits a peripheral route has had at Aberdeen.”