Question
Untitled item
S5W-20701 · Inspired Question · lodged by Watt, Maureen
Lodged on
19 Dec 2018Heard / answered on
20 Dec 2018To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Aberdeen Roads Limited’s progress in completing the Don Crossing and opening the final section of Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).
The answer
We can already see the benefits of the newly opened section of AWPR from Craibstone to Stonehaven and Charleston.
Despite what it said at the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee just over a fortnight ago, ARL informed officials on 18 December that it was no longer able to meet its own deadline. I have consistently urged caution about ARL’s ambitious programme to conclude the Don works. Consequently, as disappointing as this news is, it therefore comes as no surprise. This will be a difficult message for the workforce who have been working hard during this most challenging time of the year.
It is well known that ARL has experienced a series of technical issues during the construction of the Don Crossing. In order for this Government to protect the public purse, it is imperative that ARL provides the necessary technical and commercial assurances for the Don Crossing. We cannot and will not contemplate releasing payments for this structure without these critical assurances.
In terms of an opening date for this section, although ARL are forecasting January 2019, they have been unable to provide a definitive date.
Despite what it said at the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee just over a fortnight ago, ARL informed officials on 18 December that it was no longer able to meet its own deadline. I have consistently urged caution about ARL’s ambitious programme to conclude the Don works. Consequently, as disappointing as this news is, it therefore comes as no surprise. This will be a difficult message for the workforce who have been working hard during this most challenging time of the year.
It is well known that ARL has experienced a series of technical issues during the construction of the Don Crossing. In order for this Government to protect the public purse, it is imperative that ARL provides the necessary technical and commercial assurances for the Don Crossing. We cannot and will not contemplate releasing payments for this structure without these critical assurances.
In terms of an opening date for this section, although ARL are forecasting January 2019, they have been unable to provide a definitive date.
Answered by Michael Matheson on 20 Dec 2018.