Hope of early start on A77 safety work

Jan 23 2008 Ayrshire Post

A VITAL upgrade of the A77 could be brought forward.

Work could begin a year earlier than planned on the killer stretch of the busy road if the need for a public inquiry is ruled out.

Ayr MSP John Scott insists that he’ll continue to put pressure on the Scottish Government to start safety work at Symington and Bogend Toll as soon as possible.

He pressed transport minister Stewart Stevenson on the issue in the Scottish Parliament this week.

Mr Scott explaineds: “The minister’s positive response to my appeal is certainly very welcome and it rightly underlines the crucial nature of the proposed safety work to the A77 at Symington and Bogend Toll.

“Although originally due to begin in 2006, this project has been pushed further and further back and the most recent estimated start date given by Transport Scotland is 2010.”

Mr Stevenson, who visited the blackspot at the invitation of Mr Scott last year, told the parliament that if no inquiry is needed then he sees no reason why the job can’t be started sooner.

Mr Scott explained: “Given this road’s horrendous safety record and the real concerns that exist amongst residents of communities along this section of the A77, this is a totally unsatisfactory situation and we need action to have the construction work begun at the earliest date possible.

“We are now at the stage of Transport Scotland determining whether or not a local public inquiry is needed.

“While that is a matter they will have to decide, my strong hope is that this will not be needed.

“If that turns out to be the case, it now looks hopeful that work on this long-promised and much anticipated road safety scheme could begin as early as next year.

“It’s certainly the case that it can’t come soon enough for local residents or for anyone who uses the A77.”