MSP Rhoda Grant welcomes Transport Scotland’s ‘continued commitment’ to on East Link Road
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Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has welcomed the continued commitment to the A9-A96 connecting road in Inverness from the Scottish Government.
Mrs Grant received a confirmation from Transport Scotland on the creation of the so-called East Link Road that will join the A9 and the A96 after writing to the agency over concerns raised by constituents.
It comes amid general unease about road investment but the connection between the A9 and A96 looks like it will continue.
She highlighted how many road infrastructure projects such as the A9 and A96 have been severely delayed and there is no end date in sight for either the A9 dualling announcement or the review into the A96 corridor.
Lawrence Shackman, the director of major projects at Transport Scotland said: “I can confirm that the Scottish Government is committed to taking forward plans for a single carriageway road connecting Inshes and Smithton as part of its commitment to the £315 million Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.”
He went on to say that they are currently “progressing the proposed scheme though the statutory authorisation process.”
Mrs Grant said: “I welcome this continued commitment to connect the A9 and A96. This will ease traffic in Inverness and will unlock land for development.
“I will continue to press for timelines on this project as well as other major road projects that are fundamental to the Highlands such as A9 and A96.”
