Scottish Government told to 'get a move on' with new flyover at Sheriffhall roundabout

THE Scottish Government is being urged to “get a move on” with the controversial revamp of the Sheriffhall roundabout.

Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs claimed the project was desperately needed to tackle “nightmare” traffic jams and accused the government of delay.

A review of the £120m scheme, which includes a flyover to ease congestion, was ordered in February as part of the SNP’s Holyrood budget deal with the Greens.

The upgrade of the junction, a notorious bottleneck on the A720 City Bypass, was included in the Edinburgh City Region Deal agreed in 2018.

The flyover is intended to separate local traffic from through traffic on the bypass and allow bypass traffic to flow freely, improving journey times for all road users.

But Greens branded it a “spaghetti junction” , claiming it would just generate more traffic.

And the city council wants major changes to the design to allow for bus lanes and in the longer term an extension of the Capital’s tram route.

In answer to a parliamentary question from Mr Briggs asking for an update on the review, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said a “significant” number of representations, including objections, had been received to the proposed scheme and Transport Scotland was currently considering these as well as progressing the work associated with the review.

He said the review was focused on whether improvements could and should be made to the walking, cycling, and public transport provision in the scheme “whilst not creating additional impacts for local landowners, residents and businesses”.

Mr Matheson said the Scottish Government remained committed to undertaking improvements at Sheriffhall.

And he told Mr Briggs: “The conclusions of the review will be shared in due course.”

But 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.

“Given Covid there is an opportunity for us to look at potentially shovel-ready projects like this to keep people in work and the Scottish Government should be trying to do that. It’s a win-win situation - we can improve congestion and deliver jobs. The government should look at this with a fresh set of eyes given the cirumstances and tell people in Lothian what they’re going to do.

“It’s very odd they agreed to the review just for the Greens’ votes. I think people want action on it - and if they’re not going to do it, they should be honest and say they intend to leave it as it is.

“Motorists and the local Lothian economy deserve better than this. They need to get a move on to address this unacceptable congestion.”

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