Question reference: S5W-33658
- Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 1 December 2020
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 10 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the (a) A7 Selkirk Bypass, (b) A1 complete dualling from Dunbar to Lamberton and (c) Reston Station infrastructure project.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises the important role that transport plays in providing access to key markets, jobs and services for those living and working in the Scottish Borders. We are now taking forward the Scotland wide, second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) which will now consider as part of the detailed appraisal phase all 21 recommendations of the Borders Transport Corridors Study, published in March 2019. Included within the study were separate recommendations to complete the dualling of the A1 together with an option to provide capacity enhancements for A7 which included a potential Selkirk bypass.
The review is due to report in autumn 2021 and will consider how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may shape our future transport system, the demands placed on it, as well as identifying transport interventions which help deliver our commitment to create an inclusive and net zero emissions economy. We are doing that as part of an overall Government investment programme, rather than individual decisions on potential schemes.
Design development work on the new Reston Station continues to make good progress with the planning application submitted for approval. The station is planned to enter service at the earliest opportunity in the current Rail Control period (which is up to 2024).