Seòmar agus comataidhean

The following improvements have been made to laybys adjacent to the A90 carriageway to improve the trunk road network in the last five years:

2020-21

A90 Glamis SB Layby 0309 – Concrete Plinth for HGVS

A90 South Tarbrax SB Layby 0309 Concrete Plinth for HGVs

A90 Layby improvement scheme which included resurfacing and vehicle deterrent on entry and exit tapers at -

There are 241 laybys on the A90 trunk road (including bus stops). There are currently no plans to expand these facilities at this time.

The Scottish Government published the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) in December 2022. STPR2 prioritises maintaining and safely operating existing assets over targeted infrastructure improvements. STPR2 did not recommend any major upgrades to the A90 trunk road. Instead, Recommendation 30 noted that the A90 Perth to Aberdeen (excluding the A90 Kingsway through Dundee) as an example of locations for potential future road safety improvements. Separately, Recommendation 32, identified the proposal for an integrated transport plan to be developed for the A90 Kingsway through Dundee.

In addition, the Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a new grade-separated junction on the A90 at Laurencekirk as part of the package of additional investment alongside the Aberdeen City Region Deal.

Transport Scotland has been taking forward the necessary design and assessment work, and the project is currently going through the statutory authorisation process, having recently published supplementary draft Orders for formal comment.

As with all infrastructure projects, delivery of the Laurencekirk scheme can only commence when the relevant statutory authorisation powers to do so have been secured. Following completion of the statutory authorisation process we will then be in a position to set a timetable for delivery of the scheme in line with available budgets.

As carriageways are designed for a specific period (a ‘design life’) based on the predicted numbers of vehicles passing over that section over a specific number of years, increased traffic volumes (particularly commercial vehicles) can accelerate their deterioration. Traffic volumes on the A90 have risen by 6% over the last five years. This change in traffic has been factored into our most recent calculation of the Road Condition Index which is used to identify where detailed engineering investigations should be focused in order to determine maintenance requirements.

Our Operating Companies are required to carry out a range of inspections and surveys to assess the condition and performance of the trunk road network. For example, safety inspections are completed at 7-day intervals. These are primarily to identify defects that require prompt attention because they present, or could present, an immediate hazard to road users. Severe carriageway defects, such as some potholes, are classified as Category 1 Defects, which are required to be made safe when identified, following which a temporary or permanent repair must be undertaken as soon as possible and no later than 06:00 on the day following identification. Where a temporary repair has been carried out, a permanent repair is required to be carried out within 28 days. In addition to this

Lesser defects and general deterioration which do not necessitate such an immediate safety-led response are then considered with findings from our annual testing of the road network to determine future maintenance schemes. These schemes may include localised patching repairs or larger structural maintenance schemes, which are then programmed and considered against competing priorities across the Trunk Road Network

There is a total of 140 overbridges and overpasses (including footbridges on the A90 trunk road and within the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Road / Balmeddie to Tipperty Project boundary. All are in an acceptable condition. They are subjected to regular inspections to determine the integrity of the structures and identify any necessary repairs. Transport Scotland's Operating Company, Amey, has ongoing prioritised works at the structures below:

• A90 Glencarse overpass was struck by a vehicle in March 2023 and repairs were completed on 21 December.
• A90 Finavon Bridge sustained storm damage during Storm Babet in October 2023, work has been ongoing to facilitate repairs

I refer the member to the answer to the question S6W-33099 on 22 January 2025. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Evaluation is essential to the work of Transport Scotland to assess whether policies and interventions are being delivered as intended, and to help identify ways to improve them.

The Scottish Public Finance Manual sets out the appraisal framework for proportionately securing best value and value for money. The methodology on applying this appraisal framework, where there is a change sought to the transport system requiring Scottish Government funding, support or approval, is provided in the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance.

To inform funding decisions, all projects supported by Transport Scotland are required to follow our standard Business Case process, including the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG). Identified options for Transport Scotland investment are assessed against national and relevant regional economic development strategies to ensure alignment. Options are also assessed against Transport Planning Objectives (TPOs) and the standard STAG criteria. The standard STAG criteria include Economy as well as Climate Change, Environment, Health, Safety and Wellbeing and Equality and Accessibility.