The Scottish Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, has announced the unveiling of a new timetable for the A9 dualling project at Holyrood. This project, which is one of the largest financial commitments of the SNP government, has experienced significant delays in the past. During the government’s budget announcement for the upcoming year, Robison confirmed that construction on the Tomatin-Moy section near Inverness will commence soon, with further investments planned for the following phases. The specific completion date will be announced in the near future.
Robison emphasized the importance of the Highland economy and reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the A9 dualling program. She specifically mentioned that construction on the Tomatin to Moy section is scheduled to begin in 2024-25, with efforts to acquire land and make additional progress being prioritized.
In addition to the A9 project, Robison also highlighted the government’s focus on the A83 Rest and Be Thankful road. Currently, a committee of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) is investigating the costs and delays of the A9 plan. This inquiry aims to address concerns raised by petitioner Laura Hansler regarding the project’s progress.
This upcoming parliamentary statement holds great significance, particularly after recent revelations that SNP leaders were aware since 2018 that the goal of completing the A9 dualling by 2025 was not feasible. The government cited economic pressures as the main reason for the delay in February 2021. The committee conducting the inquiry eagerly awaits further details to address the concerns raised by Laura Hansler. The Cabinet Secretary will also be invited to provide additional evidence in the New Year.
Sources: [source 1], [source 2]
FAQ
What is the A9 dualling project?
The A9 dualling project is an initiative by the Scottish government to upgrade all single carriageway sections of the A9 road to a dual carriageway to improve safety and capacity.
Who is Shona Robison?
Shona Robison is the Scottish Finance Secretary and a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP). She is responsible for managing the government’s finances and economic policies.
Definitions
Dualling
Dualling refers to the process of converting a single carriageway road into a dual carriageway, typically involving the addition of an extra lane in both directions.
Holyrood
Holyrood is the location of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, which is the capital city of Scotland.
Inquiry
An inquiry is a formal investigation conducted to gather information and address specific concerns or questions regarding a particular subject.
Petitioner
A petitioner is an individual or group that formally presents an issue or concern to a higher authority, in this case, the Scottish Parliament.
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com