Weekend disruptions spark renewed call for dualling of A9
Following a weekend of heavy traffic on the A9 between Perth and Inverness MSP Murdo Fraser has renewed his demand for the road to be upgraded.
Heavy traffic on the A9 at the Luncarty junction on Saturday.
- By Sandra Gray
- Published in the Courier : 31.08.10
- Published online : 31.08.10 @ 03.13pm
He urged the Scottish Government to set out a timetable to dual the road after major disruptions and congestion affected northbound drivers.
The delays were mainly caused by large numbers of spectators travelling to the Blair Castle International Horse Trials and Birnam Highland Games.
Mr Fraser hailed the events as "excellent and top class," adding, "I would like to thank the organisers who put on these events and they are a welcome boost to the local economy, as well as a highlight for the many participants and spectators.
"Perthshire is dependent on tourism so it is vital that we have these events put on throughout the area — but it is clear we need better road infrastructure to cope with the demand.
"The A9 is one of the main arterial roads in Scotland, linking the Highlands to the rest of Scotland, and it is disappointing that parts of it are still single carriageway."
The Conservative MSP claims the SNP-led government is "holding Perthshire back" by failing to ensure the road was dualled between Perth and Inverness, despite years of campaigning by himself and several colleagues.
"I want a firm timetable of A9 dualling so users of the A9 will know when it will be dualled," he said. "We need to see this road upgraded to help ease congestion, to bring an economic boost to the area and, crucially, to reduce the accident rate on the road.
"It is sad to learn that there were two fatalities on the A9 and our thoughts go out to the family and friends.
"The A9 is Scotland's deadliest road and this stark statistic is made up of real human tragedies, such as this fatal accident."
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