Sheriffhall Roundabout plans stuck in traffic

The development of a new grade separation junction on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass at Sheriffhall is part of a £300 million commitment in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region deal.

The junction is a notorious bottleneck, causing traffic jams for commuters and adding to congestion on the Edinburgh City Bypass.

Mr Briggs is disappointed that the Scottish Government has delayed plans again as part of a Transport Scotland review into active travel.

In a written answer to Mr Briggs about Sheriffhall roundabout, the Transport Secretary Michael Mathson said that a “conclusion of the review will be shared in due course” and that “Transport Scotland is currently reviewing and considering all of the representations received”.

Mr Briggs, said: “It is extremely disappointing that SNP Ministers have yet again delayed the development of the overdue construction works that are so desperately needed at Sheriffhall junction.

“The traffic jams caused at this junction are a nightmare for motorists and it is crucial that infrastructure is in place for the economic development of Edinburgh and the South East of Scotland.

“This review is only taking place because of behind closed door deals between SNP Ministers and the Greens at the budget.

“Motorists and the local Lothian economy deserve better than this. We need to see action to address this unacceptable congestion.”

In his written response to Mr Briggs Michael Matheson said: “Following publication of draft Orders on 5 December 2019 Transport Scotland received a significant amount of representations, including objections, to the proposed scheme.

“Transport Scotland is currently reviewing and considering all of the representations received alongside progressing the work associated with the review, which has a specific focus on whether it is feasible and desirable to further improve the proposed exemplar active travel facilities and public transport provision whilst not creating additional impacts for local landowners, residents and businesses.

“The conclusions of the review will be shared in due course. The Scottish Government remains committed to undertaking improvements at Sheriffhall and will continue to engage with Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal partners as part of the review process.”

A Scottish Government spokesman denied any unexpected delay to the project and said the review into active travel and pubic transport was simply part of the process.

He said: “We remain committed to undertaking improvements at Sheriffhall.

“The review into active travel and public transport is being run in parallel with, and informing, the preparation of responses to objections received as part of the statutory process.

“The review work is relevant and necessary in order to properly address objections received.

“Accordingly, there is no delay to the scheme as a consequence of the review and it forms part of our statutory responsibility to fully considering objections and representations received to the scheme.”