NEXT STEP SECURED FOR INVERAMSAY BRIDGE UPGRADE

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond has welcomed the announcement that a designer has been successfully appointed to carry out the complex work to upgrade the A96 at Inveramsay Bridge.

Scott Wilson was appointed following the announcement last month to tender for the design work. Preparation and design work will now begin, leading to completing the statutory processes for this major improvement to the A96.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

“I’m delighted that the next stage of this upgrade has been confirmed, taking us one step closer to tackling the north east's most notorious bottleneck.

“Not only will the upgrade reduce delays and ease journey times but it will improve business links for those north of the Bridge, helping to promote economic growth in the area.

"The A96 is a key strategic link road and everyone in the constituency recognises the importance of delivering this upgrade. I am particularly delighted at the development, given that Inveramsay had never before been mentioned in a transport program before the SNP came to power.

"After years of inaction by previous administrations, and almost 30 years of Lib Dem representation in this constituency, it is only because we have an SNP Government in power that we have seen such significant progress on this project.

"That the Scottish Government is delivering on Inveramsay in the face of nearly 40% cut backs being imposed by the Tory/ Lib Dem coalition is testament to the importance the SNP places on upgrading this key route for the benefit of all those who use stretch.”