New deadline will be set for A9 project within weeks says Transport Scotland
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A NEW completion deadline for the dualling of the A9 between Inverness and Perth will be revealed within weeks.
In a letter to The Strathy's sister paper The Inverness Courier, Transport Scotland’s director of major projects Lawrence Shackman has promised a Scottish Government update on the scheme in autumn will contain a new timescale for completion.
It comes after the SNP admitted in February that its vow to fully dual the stretch by 2025 was unachievable. Hundreds of people have died as a result of accidents on the 110-mile road.
The scheme was a major topic in the SNP leadership battle in March, leading to The Inverness Courier’s A9 Crisis Summit in July. Following the event, attended by transport secretary Màiri McAllan, The Inverness Courier put a list of nine action points – devised after listening to the audience and based on dualling and road safety – directly to First Minister Humza Yousaf at a face-to-face meeting in the Highland capital.
- A9 DUALLING: We are demanding action from the Scottish Government on nine points
- Transport secretary says 'there is nothing that I won’t consider' to make the A9 safer
- A9 Crisis Summit: What interim safety measures are needed on danger road?
- Fergus Ewing: If the First Minister cannot deliver A9 dualling then ‘he must consider his position’
Mr Shackman delivered a comprehensive response, which is available on our website, addressing each point. It is the first time Transport Scotland has promised the autumn update will not just be a progress report but will contain a number of substantial elements – most prominently a deadline.
He said: “I can confirm this work is firmly on track to enable an update to be given to Parliament in the autumn, as promised earlier this year. This update will include a new timescale for completion.”
He added that the update is also “expected” to advise on a “detailed schedule for the completion of each of the remaining sections” and “information on contract type” and how the government plans to pay for them.
Yes and no on some calls
Based on comments from the audience, campaigners and politicians at the summit many wanted immediate safety improvements and engagement but Mr Shackman rejected some of them including calls for new 60 mph or 70 mph signs on the road, though they are elsewhere in Scotland, saying: “It is an expectation of the Highway Code that drivers, including those from overseas, will be familiar with the speed limits which are applicable to the vehicle they are driving.”
Another favoured proposal was the creation of more rest stops with facilities for those on long-haul journeys. The answer was ‘no’ to that one as well because: “The provision of roadside facilities on the A9 is a commercial matter for prospective operators to pursue and develop.”
But there was some good news in that work to improve white line markings is under way or has been completed as part of a £5 million round of improvements in a bid to lower the risk on the lethal road.
Better signs indicating the transition from dual to single carriageway and vice versa will also form part of that work, which as Mr Shackman says will be “on yellow backings to give greater prominence”.
But there are real concerns that placing double white lines to discourage overtaking may not work.
Mr Shackman explained: “Over-use of double white lines, particularly on roads with good alignments and where overtaking is feasible in correct conditions, is unlikely to lead to acceptable levels of compliance and undermines the effectiveness of this type of road marking elsewhere.
“There is also the possibility that drivers will be unable to overtake despite conditions being suitable, which can lead to frustration and longer queues of traffic passing through junctions.”
'Abrupt dismissal'
Campaigning Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing – an outspoken critic of his party over the A9 among other issues – said is “hugely disappointed at the abrupt dismissal” of the calls by locals.
“Here’s what I want from the First Minister in the Programme for Government on A9 and A96,” he said. “First an apology for failures to meet targets – 2025 and 2030.
“Second, confirmation that the autumn statement will be made before the October recess – no more delay. We are two and a half years into this Session of Parliament, half way through and with Tomatin to Moy abject and predictable failure we have gone backwards not forwards.
“Third, details of when the dualling will be completed- the new target along with broad details of when each of the remaining nine sections will be dualled
“Fourth, details of how and from where the project will be funded.
“Fifth, promise to disclose all advice to Ministers and Transport Scotland as its time for openness and honesty here – and much of this has been hidden from the public – why, people ask me, what is it they have to hide? It is in their own interests to be honest and transparent in order to show that – this time- their promises can be taken seriously.
“Finally, details when the A96 made orders will happen since these are now a year overdue- and the process has been going on for a decade for the Inverness to Auldearn including Nairn bypass section. That is the longest of any road project in Scotland – 10 years and no road built.
“I am hugely disappointed at the abrupt dismissal of pleas for the actual road speed limits to be displayed. The lack of these is confusing for drivers, in particular foreign drivers. The limit changes from 60 to 70 with rapidity and that should surely be displayed.”
