No plans to upgrade Kingsway, admit SNP

ROADS: MSP says Scottish Government position is ‘disappointing’

The lack of a plan to upgrade the Kingsway is “disappointing” and unbecoming of Dundee’s transformation, an MSP has said.

North East Conservative Liam Kerr questioned the Scottish Government yesterday over its plans to develop the section of A90, and noted it had been more than a decade since it was recognised the carriageway needs improvement.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said there were no plans to upgrade the route or construct a relief road and if any plans were forthcoming they would not appear until 2020.

The need for a so-called “Dundee bypass” was flagged up by Transport Scotland in December 2008, with

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There needs to be a 21st Century approach to transform journeys up and down the coast. MSP LIAM KERR

the Scottish Government estimating the cost at between £100 million and £250m.

During topical questions at Holyrood yesterday, Mr Kerr questioned Mr Matheson on the timing of plans for any upgrades.

Mr Matheson said: “This government has committed over £800 million on road infrastructure projects in the north-east – including projects such as the Aberdeen bypass, which opened in February, bringing in benefit to the area.

“Construction is also well under way in adding improvements in 2021, and we are continuing to move forward with our junction at Laurencekirk.”

Following the session, Mr Kerr told The Courier: “It’s been a long 11 years since it was admitted the Kingsway isn’t up to the demands placed on it.

“There needs to be a 21st Century approach to transform journeys up and down the coast.

“A relief road or expressway at Dundee would benefit everyone.

“I am disappointed by how slow the SNP government are at grasping the nettle on this.”

North East Conservative MSP Liam Kerr.