The lack of plans to upgrade the Kingsway is “disappointing” and unbecoming of Dundee’s transformation, an MSP has said.
North East Conservative Liam Kerr questioned the Scottish Government on Wednesday over its plans to develop the section of A90 – the main thoroughfare for east coast traffic through Dundee.
Scottish Conservative depute leader Mr Kerr noted it had been more than a decade since it was recognised the carriageway needs improvement.
Transport secretary Michael Matheson said there were no plans to upgrade the route or construct a relief road and if any plans were forthcoming they would not appear until 2020.
The need for a so-called “Dundee Bypass” was flagged up by Transport Scotland in December 2008, with the Scottish Government estimating a cost at between £100 million and £250 million.
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) which bypasses Aberdeen and took almost a decade to complete cost more than £1 billion to construct.
During topical questions at Holyrood on Wednesday, Mr Kerr questioned Mr Matheson on the timing of plans for any upgrades.
He said: “The capacity and limitations of the A90 near Dundee have been in the news recently, what with the lorry fire which shut it down, people travelling down the wrong side of the road due to blockages and a crane causing cracks on a flyover.”
Mr Matheson said: “Any proposals would have to be brought forward by the regional transport network, local authorities and partners at Transport Scotland.
“Any proposals for further infrastructure investment would be considered within the STPR2 process.
“This government has committed over £800 million on road infrastructure projects in the North East – including projects such as the Aberdeen bypass, which opened in February, bringing in benefit to the area.
“Construction is also well under way in adding improvements in 2021 and we are continuing to move forward with our junction at Laurencekirk.”
Following the session, Mr Kerr told The Courier: “It’s been a long 11 years since it was admitted the Kingsway isn’t up to the demands placed on it.
“There needs to be a 21st century approach to transform journeys up and down the coast.
“A relief road or expressway at Dundee would benefit everyone. I am disappointed by how slow the SNP government are at grasping the nettle on this.”
