Transport Strategy Consultation provides a Chance to Argue for A9 Dualling

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Transport Strategy Consultation provides a Chance to Argue for A9 Dualling

THE PUBLICATION of the Government's Transport Strategy for Scotland has been welcomed by many, and byJohn Swinney MSP as an opportunity for the local community to argue for the upgrade of the A9 to a dual carriageway. The Government consultation document (published 20 April) is designed to produce a 20 years investment plan for major routes in Scotland.

To discuss the upgrade of the A9 - the most dangerous trunk road in Scotland - the MSP met Transport Minister Tavish Scott last December. At that meeting Mr Scott confirmed this opportunity would arise in 2006 and Mr Swinney has urged constituents to take part in the consultation.

He maintained: "..this consultation document creates an excellent opportunity to argue for the upgrade of the A9. Road improvements are expensive and take time to secure.

But this new document recognises there is a case for dualling the A9 that must be further examined. I would encourage all local organisations to work together to submit significant contributions to influence this consultation. I intend to make my voice heard and encourage others to join the debate.

He added: "The A9 is the most dangerous trunk road in Scotland and making the road a dual carriageway will tackle a significant number of the problems associated with the road. The priorities agreed by this consultation exercise will be fundamental in structuring investments over the next 20 years.

“We must make our voice heard to ensure that, amongst the competing priorities for investment, the Highland Perthshire area is not left out. We must seize this opportunity to create a safe route from Perth to Inverness and a route that will create further economic opportunities."

Costs

It is calculated that the cost of construction of a full dual carriageway from Perth to Pitlochry alone would amount to some £127m.

Upgrading a 9km stretch between Luncarty and the Pass of Birnam - £38.2m;

the 7.5 km stretch from Pass of Birnam to just north of Dunkeld - £52.4m;

the 8 km length from the Tay crossing to Ballinluig - £36.9m.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham, in urging her constituents to get involved in the consultation process about transport improvements, said: "The proposals contained within this consultation are far too centred on the central belt and, when they do relate to Perthshire, they come at a price.

"The dualling of the A9 as far as Bruar would definitely be an improvement, but the plans to pay for it by road tolls are an affront.

"The A9 needs to be upgraded all the way to Inverness. This is a safety issue and should not be be used as a pretext for an additional tax on those communities the road serves.

"Perthshire is the heart of Scotland and transport links are the arteries that connect us to the rest of Scotland and enable tourism and other industries to thrive..."