(S3O-9571) A82 and A83 (Improvements)

2. Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve the A82 and A83. (S3O-9571)

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):

We are continuing to improve and maintain both the A82 and the A83. On the A83, we plan to carry out measures to improve safety on the route and undertake structural maintenance works to improve the condition of the road, while on the A82, we are taking forward schemes including major projects at Crianlarich and Pulpit Rock.

In the longer term, the strategic transport projects review has recommended an upgrade of the A82 route to reduce accident severity and cut journey times. That review also recommended a series of route-management initiatives for the A83 to maintain the physical condition and safety standards of the route.

Jamie McGrigor: The minister has not given time schedules for that work. On the A82, will the minister give a firm and detailed time commitment on the road widening, climbing lanes and junction improvements that are planned for between Tarbet and Fort William?

On the A83, what guarantees can the minister give that the current work that is being undertaken at the Rest and be thankful will prevent a repeat of the closures of that key trunk artery road, which proved to be so damaging to the Argyll economy? Specifically, what action will he take to remedy the appalling physical condition of stretches of the A83 near Tarbet that my constituents feel make it currently very dangerous to drive on?

Stewart Stevenson: Jamie McGrigor has asked a complex set of questions, so I will write to him to ensure that I address fully all his points. However, I record at this stage that in relation to the work on the A82 to the south of Fort William, we held a public information exercise to discuss the public effects of the works. It has been agreed that the works will commence after Easter on 11 April and will last for 14 nights. The works will finish before the Scottish six days trial world championships motorcycle event.

In relation to the Rest and be thankful, we intend to have in place by the end of spring 2010 a £750,000 permanent solution to the problem at that part of the hill. The improvement scheme will involve, among other things, a new culvert under the road, strengthening of the embankment below the road and installation of new drainage above and below the road. I will answer the member's questions more fully when I write to him.

Dave Thompson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): The Inverness bypass stakeholder group that was set up by the minister and Highland Council is considering connecting the A96 and the A9 to the A82. Will the minister outline the timetable to which the group is working and the contribution that the Government might be able to make to the cost of the project?

Stewart Stevenson: We now have a very effective partnership with Highland Council. There have been a substantial number of meetings involving officials. I had a meeting by audioconference with Dr Michael Foxley in recent weeks—we were very much of one mind. Although responsibility for the A82 to A9 connection lies with the council and responsibility for the A9 and A96 connection lies with the Government, we are working together to ensure that there are economies of scale and that the designs fit each other.

It is clear that some of the benefits of the council's work will accrue to the trunk-road network. At the appropriate time, we will discuss the appropriate respective responsibilities for financing that part of the road improvements.

My next meeting with Dr Foxley is planned for May. We are making the progress that we hoped we would make and we are delivering for the people of Inverness and the surrounding areas in a way that has not happened in the past.