North-East MSPs Have Urgent Meeting with Transport Minister over AWPR

North-East MSPs have met with Transport Minister Michael Matheson to emphasise the urgency of works to ensure the AWPR opening can be made as soon as possible.

It comes after Mr Matheson gave a ministerial statement on the opening of the bypass to the Chamber on Thursday afternoon.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Aberdeen South and Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt spoke with the Minister following FMQs.

During the discussions, Mr Matheson reiterated the Scottish Government was doing all it can to negotiate progress on the £745million project.

All three North-East MSPs stressed the economic benefits for commuters of getting the infrastructure project open and accessible to vehicles.

Mr Matheson has asked for an meeting with contractors to discuss the scope of works necessary to repair defects to the River Don crossing and to progress the new 31.5km section from Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston as soon as possible.

In a joint statement following the meeting, Gillian Martin MSP, Stewart Stevenson MSP and Maureen Watt MSP said:

“The AWPR has been needed in the North-East for decades and it is this SNP Scottish Government which is delivering it for people across the region.

“Both weather and the economic challenges of partner company Balfour Beatty have created unprecedented issues for the project but during the meeting we were keen to stress the impact and difference it will have for people once it is fully opened.

“The Minister was able to reaffirm his commitment to doing all he can to ensure the remaining work is completed as soon as possible.”