Edinburgh Sheriffhall flyover decision expected soon after Holyrood elections
A decision on the long-awaited Sheriffhall flyover is expected soon after the Scottish Parliament elections, the head of Transport Scotland has said.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs last month she was "disappointed and frustrated" that there would be no announcement before Holyrood was dissolved ahead of the May 7 poll.
Now Transport Scotland chief executive Alison Irvine has written to Edinburgh council and other partners, saying a decision is expected "early in the new session".
It's nearly nine years since funding for an upgrade of the junction on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass was announced as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in July 2017.
The plans were paused in 2020 for a review of the project following a Scottish Government budget deal with the Greens. A public local inquiry was eventually held in early 2023 and the report, delivered to the Scottish Government in early 2024.
But repeated questions in parliament have met with the answer that it is still being reviewed by officials.
In her letter, Ms Irvine said she was disappointed there was no decision ahead of parliament's dissolution, but added she had been assured that every effort was being made for the decision to be made as soon as possible.
She continued: "I am not involved in the decision-making process and appreciate the frustrations about the length of time that the process is taking. However, it is essential that due process is followed.
“In excess of 1,200 pieces of evidence were lodged for the local inquiry, and that evidence needs to be rigorously scrutinised by technical and legal advisers. This is a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to ensure robust and well-reasoned decision making."
She concluded: “Both myself and the Cabinet Secretary for Transport had hoped that a decision would be made before now, however, I want to reassure you that Transport Scotland is under no illusion that the incoming Government will expect to be presented with that advice in order to make a decision early in the new session of Parliament.
“Finally, I would like to reassure you that funding is included in the Scottish Spending Review to continue to make further progress in delivering improvements to Sheriffhall."