A70 road upgrade is vital says Ayr MSP

Feb 27 2008 Ayrshire Post

AN upgrade of the A70 could improve Ayrshire’s economic future.

And the Scottish Government must do all they can to ensure they open the door to much needed funding to improve the link with the A74.

Ayr MSP John Scott spoke out during question time in the Scottish Parliament.

He pressed Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson to consider the move as part of the government’s Strategic Transport Projects Review.

He said: “As Ayrshire’s main link to the M74, and as a major economic development route, it is vital that an appropriate level of investment is made in the A70, both in the interests of local residents and of the Ayrshire economy.

“The best way in which this can be achieved is if the government agrees to adopt the A70 as a trunk road, taking on responsibility for it and opening the door to the scale of strategic funding needed to boost this important road link.”

The A70 links Ayr to the M74 and Mr Scott insists that it will help improve both safety and local economic development.

He added: “With the go-ahead recently having been given for the M74 northern extension, it seems clear that the A70 may become still busier with commercial and commuter traffic and this is yet another reason why action is needed sooner rather than later.

“While recent improvements to the A77 north and south of Ayr are welcome and additional planned improvements will further improve that route.

“The need to improve transport links from Ayrshire to the east must not be overlooked and trunk road status for the A70 would be a big step in the right direction.

“I know that other local MSPs share the view that the A70 should be upgraded and I am certain that we can all work together to make the case for this project.”