This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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A1 schemes to bring wider benefits
20/08/2003
A Community Woodland walk was opened today in Houndwood which will run alongside the recently opened 2.1km of dual carriageway from Howburn to Houndwood on the A1.
The dual carriageway, one of four major schemes on the A1, also includes bus lay-bys, a pedestrian underpass, street lighting, road signing improvements and a path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Minister Nicol Nicol Stephen said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to minimising impacts on our environment. Where practical we will plant trees to help reduce the impact of cars on our environment and on people's health. The Houndwood Community Woodland Walk alongside the A1 will contain over 27,000 new trees to do just that. I'm delighted to unveil this commemorative plaque today.
"The opening of the Howburn to Houndwood scheme last month delivered part of our commitment to improve the A1 between Edinburgh and Berwick. It will bring benefits for people living and travelling in the area, as well as taking a major step forward to providing a modern, safe trunk road network in Scotland."
The Minister also visited the 217m long Tyne Bridge at East Linton, East Lothian. This forms part of the 13.5km Haddington to Dunbar expressway.
The Minister added:
"When completed the Tyne Bridge will be a key part of the Haddington to Dunbar Expressway. The 217m long bridge will cross the River Tyne near East Linton, where it will form an important landmark."
The Scottish Executive is committed to delivering four major schemes on the A1. Two of these are completed:
Howburn to Houndwood, 2.1km of dual carriageway, completed July 2003.
Bowerhouse to Spott Road, 2km of dual carriageway. Completed in November 2002.
Two schemes are ongoing:
Thistly Cross to Bowerhouse, 0.8km upgrade to dual carriageway, construction is due to commence 2004.
Haddington to Dunbar 'Expressway', 13.7km of dual carriageway expected to be completed in Spring 2004 .
The £5.04 million Howburn to Houndwood scheme started construction in July 2002. Despite being hit by adverse weather conditions it was completed in July 2003.
Work on the 13.7km of dual carriageway between Haddington and Dunbar is estimated to cost £34.5m. Work started on site in June 2002.