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THE STRATEGIC ROADS REVIEW — SCHEME DECISIONS
Introduction
The main report on the Strategic Roads Review set out the Scottish Executive’s views on the role of trunk roads in the Executive’s integrated transport strategy. It noted that a main objective was to safeguard the condition of the existing network by ending the historic under-investment in essential repair and maintenance. It explained that there was considerable scope for making better use of the existing network, through improved management and the use of new technology. It argued that modest, relatively low cost improvements, targeted on congestion or accident blackspots, could yield very substantial returns. It emphasised the priority the Executive attached to safety on the trunk road network and recognised the linkages between good transport infrastructure and the country’s economic prosperity. It re-affirmed the Executive’s commitment to sustainable transport policies and described how this was reflected in the approaches taken to traffic management, road maintenance and road design and construction.
The report also acknowledged that there was a role for major trunk road improvements within the Executive’s integrated transport strategy. However, these have to be consistent with the 5 criteria of economy, safety, environmental impact, accessibility and integration. Chapter 7 of the report and its annexes described the appraisal framework which has been developed to apply these 5 criteria. It listed and described the 17 major schemes (for 3 of which there were 2 options) which were scrutinised using the framework. And it gave the results of applying the framework to each of the schemes and options.
Scheme decisions
This short supplementary report sets out and explains the decisions which the Executive has taken in relation to each of these schemes and options. The schemes and options have been allocated to a number of categories. These are described briefly below. Full explanations of the decisions on each scheme/option are given in the attached annex.
Five schemes will proceed to construction over the next 3 years. These are:
M77 Fenwick — Malletsheugh;
A1 Haddington - Dunbar (Expressway option);
A78 Ardrossan - Saltcoats Bypass;
A830 Arisaig — Kinsadel; and
A96 Fochabers - Mosstodloch Bypass.
In the first of these, procurement will involve the use of private finance, provided that this can be shown to offer good value for money. The others will be procured conventionally.
Two schemes (involving 3 options) will be analysed further in multi-modal corridor studies which will allow road investment to be considered alongside other transport improvements. These are:
M8 Baillieston - Newhouse (On- and Off-Line options); and
M80 Stepps - Haggs (On-line Route).
Two non-trunk road schemes promoted by local authorities will be referred back to the respective local authorities for further consideration (in conjunction with neighbouring authorities and other interests) and, if deemed appropriate, development. These are:
M74 Northern Extension; and
A8000 Forth Road Bridge - M8/M9 Spur.
Consultants are being appointed to take forward preparatory work for one scheme. Decisions on the timetable for implementing the scheme and on its funding will be taken once this work is completed. This scheme is:
A876 Kincardine Bridge.
Three schemes are to be held in abeyance and considered alongside other emerging priorities for a future trunk road programme which will be appraised using a multi modal approach. These are:
A68 Dalkeith Northern Bypass;
A90 Balmedie — Tipperty; and
A985 Rosyth Bypass.
Six schemes or options are not to be progressed. In all but one of these cases, alternative, more appropriate solutions will be pursued. The sixth (the M8/M6 Fastlink) will not be taken forward. These schemes/options are:
A9 Helmsdale - Ord of Caithness;
A92 Preston — Balfarg;
A96 Keith Bypass;
M80 Stepps - Haggs (Kelvin Valley Route option);
A1 Haddington - Dunbar (Draft Order option); and
M8/M6 Fastlink.
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