Bruce and Radcliffe Welcome A90 Victory

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 21st Jun 2005

North East campaigners are celebrating a major victory today following the news that the Balmedie to Tipperty stretch of the A90 will become dual carriageway.

Gordon MSP Nora Radcliffe and MP Malcolm Bruce have welcomed the news as 'the best possible outcome' in their long campaign for action. They helped their constituents take the case for dualling directly to the Scottish Executive.

Transport Minister Nicol Stephen announced the green light for the upgrade on a site visit today.

Gordon Member of Parliament Malcolm Bruce said:

"I know local residents and road users alike will be delighted by this announcement. This has been a huge issue in the local area for many years - as far back as 1993 I was presented with a petition by Foveran School pupils that urged the dualling of this section of the A90. While previous campaigns to upgrade the sections of the A90 on either side of the Balmedie to Tipperty stretch were successful, I have always felt it was absurd that the two sections of dual carriageway on either side could be justified yet the 8 km in between could not.

"This announcement will help reduce congestion, deliver economic benefits to the area and, first and foremost, will greatly improve safety on what is an extremely hazardous stretch of road.

"I am obviously delighted by this news however it is now important to make sure that the final designs are put in place and that the upgrading begins as soon as is practical."

Speaking after hearing the news Gordon constituency MSP Nora Radcliffe commented:

"There can be no doubt that this long-awaited upgrade will save lives. The news that it will go ahead will be welcomed by many in the local community where residents and their MP and MSP have campaigned on this issue for a long time.

"In the first session of the Scottish Parliament, the upgrade of the Balmedie to Tipperty section of the A90 was recognised as an important issue for our area. Unfortunately, the project narrowly missed being in the top ten list of priorities for action.

"It was a disappointment but it made campaigners even more determined to keep up the pressure for long-term improvements. This announcement is the best possible outcome.

"I am pleased that the Transport Minister has responded to local concerns. More than 2,500 local people recently signed a petition to the Scottish Parliament in support of upgrading this particular stretch of the A90.

"I have had a number of meetings over the years with previous Transport Ministers and with Nicol Stephen to argue the case for this much-needed upgrade, to press for action, and to convey the strength of feeling of my constituents on this issue.

"It is now important that the work proceeds as quickly as possible."