A68 South Soutra to Oxton Improvement
Tuesday, December 12 2006
Delivery of a £4 million improvement on a key part of the A68 in the Borders is making significant progress. Transport Scotland has published draft orders, which is the beginning of the formal consultation process, and SBC is working in association with consultant Mouchelparkman on the design and implementation of the scheme.
The A68 is a key route in the south-east, linking Borders communities and businesses with Edinburgh. The overall aim of the road improvement scheme is to provide dedicated overtaking, improve traffic flow and increase safety. In addition, improvements are proposed at the main junction to Oxton in the form of a right turning lane
Representatives from Transport Scotland and SBC attended a public exhibition in Oxton on 4th December at which the local community were given the opportunity to make comments and raise concerns. Any concerns will be responded to directly by Transport Scotland.
The improvements form part of Transport Scotland's commitment to delivering a three-scheme improvement package on the A68 worth in excess of £40 million. These improvements are on stretches of road from Soutra to Oxton, Pathhead to Tynehead and the Dalkeith by-pass.
SBC's Joint Portfolio Holder for SBC's Technical Services, Councillor Gordon Edgar commented: "I support development of the trunk road links within the area and this improvement will help to relieve the frustration felt by drivers when currently using this route. It is good to see the community of Oxton and Channelkirk being given the chance to respond, through consultation on the proposed development."
SBC's Director of Technical Services, Callum Hay, said: "We welcome this scheme, and the commitment by Transport Scotland to improving key trunk roads serving the Borders. The proposal for the junction into Oxton is a significant improvement on the present arrangement, and the provision of dedicated overtaking opportunities will relieve driver frustration. Both should reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety on this stretch of road.
However, I do acknowledge the concerns of the community with respect to the change in local traffic in the centre of the village and I will ask Transport Scotland to make sure that this local perspective is given proper consideration before any final design for the scheme is proposed."
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