Dual the A9

The Issue:

The Scottish Government committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness in its entirety in 2011, a commitment that, rightfully, still stands.

However, it was clearly a mistake to set the expectation of completing the entire dualling project by 2025 without ensuring the necessary resources, engineering, planning, and contractors could meet that timeline.

And so, we find ourselves at this juncture – frustrated and disappointed.

The Impact:

I know there won’t be a person reading that this can’t relate to the horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know a loved one is driving up or down the A9. Most, of course, get in touch to say they’ve reached their destination safely. But, tragically, not everyone is so lucky.

I understand and share in the frustration and disappointment with the 2025 target not being met. It is clear that this target was too ambitious and didn’t allow time for the legitimate issues that the dualling project has faced. I understand the immensity of the programme, but what matters is that we don’t have a safe road yet, and we were promised one.

Work I am doing:

Cabinet Minister, Màiri McAllan, attended the A9 Summit in Inverness, and it was clear she was left in no doubt about the seismic impact this road’s danger has on our local communities and regular road users. I know from conversations I’ve had and from the Cabinet Secretary’s own words that getting this right is a top priority for her, the Transport Minister, and indeed the First Minister.

As your MP, I’ve made clear to colleagues in the Scottish Government that we will not settle for anything less than a clear plan with achievable milestones for completion and the budget commitment to back it up. My colleagues and I will certainly be on the case to ensure that outcome.

To that end, the Cabinet Secretary has committed to updating us all in the autumn on the next steps to get this programme back on track. However, a promise is nothing without action, and serious action is needed to get this project over the line.

Share Your Views:

This project isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about safety and ensuring no more lives are needlessly lost.

With that in mind, I’d welcome your thoughts on the matter: https://us13.list-manage.com/survey?u=79400f257882be15026d47c7a&id=ae3f591aa1&attribution=false

Watch:

Recorded in February 2023.

Promise of A9 Dualling Must Be Delivered

25th July 2023

The A9 dualling is a totemic issue for people living in the Highlands. From the moment we set off on the road, we know the

Our Man In Westminster – September

13th September 2017

In previous decades, we have too often been last in line for the investment. Especially in the investment in infrastructure required to start to fully

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