Murdo Fraser MSP has written to the Transport Minister to ask if the SNP Government will be completing the £3 billion A9 dualling between Perth and Inverness.
The Scottish Conservative politician decided to do so after doubt was recently cast on the future of the scheme, following the Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, Tom Arthur MSP, not providing an answer on whether the project will be completed.
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “I decided to write to the Minister of Transport as we need confirmation that the A9 dualling between Perth to Inverness is going to be completed – it’s not good enough having the SNP Government trying to side-step the issue.
“I have been a long-term supporter of the A9 dualling scheme and many of my constituents, along with local residents, are concerned that the project was due to have been completed by 2025, but clearly that won’t happen now. I have asked the Transport Minister if the SNP Government have a new target date now.
“In addition, there have also been concerns that the SNP-Green coalition deal would put the A9 dualling scheme in jeopardy, as it is well-known the Greens are opposed to major road infrastructure schemes such as this. We need clarification on this vital issue from the Transport Minister as soon as possible.”
And Councillor John Duff, who represents the Highland ward, added: “Over the years, the single carriageway A9 has seen a considerable number of road deaths and injuries, many of which have occurred within my ward. Dualling the A9 was welcomed not just because of the impact on the economy but because of all the pain and suffering which would be alleviated by a safer dualled A9.
“The uncertainty brought about by infighting within the SNP-Green coalition and the prevarication of the Scottish Government about its future is concerning.”
