A96 Keith Union Bridge roadworks visit by transport secretary looks more ‘hopeful’, says MSP
Hopes have risen that the transport secretary will visit an ongoing roadworks blackspot.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross says he hopes pressure from a fellow SNP minister will finally convince transport secretary Fiona Hyslop to visit Keith to see the impact of the works taking place on the Union Bridge.
He raised the latest delays surrounding the works in parliament once again with delays now having brought misery to local residents and businesses for over a year.
Initially Mr Ross demanded a statement or debate in Holyrood to discuss the issue further and to raise the concerns from those who have been affected.
When that was rejected, he called on SNP connectivity minister Jim Fairlie, who was answering the question, to relay to Msna Hyslop that she should travel to the town, something she has so far refused to do.
Mr Fairlie stated that he “will endeavour” to pass on the case to his colleague.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Ross said a visit must take place as soon as possible and once again demanded businesses should be compensated for the loss of income they are continuing to suffer.
He continued: “Residents and businesses in Keith are beyond the end of their tether with the situation at the Union Bridge.
“These works have caused misery for them for almost a year now and it was astonishing, and bitterly disappointing, when further delays were recently announced.
“I was keen for the SNP government to have a debate or statement on this issue so I could relay the concerns of local residents “While I was disappointed the government have no plans for that, I remain determined to getting Fiona Hyslop, the SNP’s transport secretary, up to Keith for a visit.
“It was welcome that her colleague Jim Fairlie agreed to pass on my latest request.
“After rejecting my requests in the past, I hope the transport secretary will now agree. She needs to come and see first-hand the impact these delays are having on Keith and also back my calls for businesses in the town to be compensated.
“That is the least they deserve after having to put up with these delays for so long.”
Meanwhile, Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead has written to Amey - who are in charge of the roadworks at Union Bridge - requesting a meeting with their Chief Executive, Andy Milner. The delayed Keith bridge repairs are top of the MSP’s agenda.
Amey announced last month that works to repair the landslip at Union Bridge on the A96 were being extended until late July due to delays in accessing the site and additional checks being required to the contractor’s design.
The firm were awarded the roads maintenance contract in the north-east, worth £540 million, by Transport Scotland in 2022 and Mr Lochhead is keen to hear from Amey how they are delivering for road users in Moray.
Mr Lochhead commented said: “I know the delay to works at Union Bridge announced recently by Amey will have been disappointing for those using the A96.
“While it is obvious the works are complex and required extensive preparatory work, the lack of regular clear and timely updates from Amey has added to the frustration of local residents and businesses and I will be putting this directly to the Chief Executive.
“In addition to raising several ongoing constituency matters, I’m keen to hear how Amey are fulfilling their contractual obligations for the north-east’s trunk roads by delivering effective and timely maintenance as well as new road safety and active travel schemes.
“The A96 and A95 are vital links for communities in Moray and I will be looking to ensure Amey recognise their importance and continue delivering improvements to our trunk roads.”
