Murdo is calling for more clarity on the A9 dualling timetable.
He was recently updated by Transport Scotland on the timings for the dualling programme. Murdo has been a long-time campaigner for A9 dualling and attended a session with Transport Scotland leadership at the Scottish Parliament this week, when the detailed timescale for the remaining A9 sections to be dualled was outlined.
Of key interest is the section that passes through Dunkeld and Birnam, part of the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing stage. In this locality there has been considerable engagement with the local community in preparing the final plan which was published in May last year. Despite this, some 70 objections have been received from local residents, and these are currently being worked through.
Murdo was told that if the objections are not all resolved then the process is likely to go to a public local inquiry. This will allow objectors to express their concerns, in advance of a final determination of the route being agreed. Transport Scotland expect this to be resolved by the Spring of 2028 with a view towards moving to procurement of the new route in the summer of the same year.
Commenting after the meeting, Murdo said: “I have received a great deal of correspondence from constituents around the A9, particularly in Dunkeld and Birnam, about the dualling project. It has always been my view that this is a vital scheme for the benefit of local residents, to improve road safety and to increase connectivity. However, it is essential that there is full consultation with local residents as to the final design of the route.
“I was interested to hear from Transport Scotland that some 70 objections to the route between the Pass of Birnam and the Tay Crossing have been received, and if these cannot be resolved then there will be a public local inquiry. It is difficult to be precise about the timings of this, but if it does happen there will be an opportunity for any objectors to make their views known.
“I am continuing to encourage constituents impacted by this to have their say, and I will be pressing Transport Scotland to ensure the maximum possible engagement with those impacted.”
Murdo continued: “The ongoing delays in completion of the A9 dualling project are of great concern to me. This was originally promised to be completed in its entirety by 2025, and we know that that promise was broken. The new proposed completion date is 2035, and I will be keeping pressure on the Scottish Government to meet this new timescale. We cannot have another broken promise.”
