Plans for a direct road link between M8 and airport under consideration

Published on Wednesday 14 May 2008 01:02

PLANS for a new direct motorway link from the M8 to Edinburgh Airport are being revived, according to a blueprint to transform the west of the city.

The revised masterplan recognises the need to tackle the increasing volume of traffic in the area and includes the half-mile stretch of motorway ruled in the last draft of the West Edinburgh Planning Framework (WEPF) published in 2006.

Last August officials from the then Scottish Executive argued the new road would have almost no impact on traffic levels, reducing congestion by just 1 per cent.

However, it later emerged the officials had failed to take into account the 90-acre RBS headquarters site at Gogarburn, which opened in 2005, or plans for other major developments nearby.

Revised projections show the link is likely to cut traffic levels by 14 per cent.

But while the revised framework calls for a full assessment of the area's transport needs, it stops short of committing to any specific schemes.

It is thought the new road would be built between the Claylands and Hermiston junctions on the M8 north to the A8 near the RBS headquarters.

Neil Greig, head of policy in Scotland for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "The M8 link is definitely one they need to look at again. The trams will make a difference for travel to the airport, but we still need a good roads network serving the airport."

The framework allocates land to both the north and south of Edinburgh Airport to enable it to handle as many as 23 million passengers by 2030.

David Johnston, managing director of the airport, said the framework was an important step forward for the hub.

"Good road access will continue to be vital and I am delighted the framework has supported the need for new and improved roads to the airport.

"The Scottish Government's way forward keeps open the option of a new road connecting the airport with the M8 which we believe could bring massive benefits in terms of reduced congestion," Mr Johnston said.

Ray Jones, chief executive, of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland yesterday welcomed the published plans, which also confirmed the proposed site for the 300 million National Showground at Norton Park, located south of the A8.

"The relocation to Norton Park is an exciting development, which will deliver a world-class facility in the west of Edinburgh with a new showground and a 10,000 seat indoor arena.

"It will give Edinburgh the opportunity to draw international music artists, exhibitors, conventions and events, as well as a bigger annual Royal Highland Show," Mr Jones said.