Published on:
08
November 2002
FIRST Minister Jack McConnell has officially opened the £4 million A907 transport link between Alloa and Stirling.
Mr. McConnell unveiled a plaque which will be set in stone to mark the opening and the completion of a vital transport corridor.
The three kilometre route, with new roundabouts and improvements at Tullibody, Blackgrange and Manor Powis, was completed by Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils' Direct Labour Organisations, with financial support from the Scottish Executive. The project eliminates notorious accident blackspots, creates a new public transport route and provides for a cycle route along the old road.
Clackmannanshire Provost Walter McAdam said: "There is no doubt that the completion of the A907 has made a significant improvement to the traffic flow between Alloa and Stirling. It's been a long time coming but thanks to the determination of both Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils we now have a modern, safe transport corridor linking the two communities.more
"Now we want to build on the resounding success of the A907 and hope to start work to create a new stretch of road - the Tullibody Bypass - to alleviate traffic congestion in the Hillfoots. Representations to secure extra borrowing consent to fund the new road have been made to the Scottish Executive and we look forward to a positive outcome."
Stirling Provost Tommy Brookes said: "It has taken a long time to get here and we're grateful to the patience shown by the people of Stirling and Clackmannanshire. But their patience has been well rewarded with a transport link that we can all be proud of and one that both councils have fought hard to bring about. The Scottish Executive is to be congratulated for recognising its strategic importance."
In 1995, the former Central Regional Council built a 1 kilometre section of new road, adjacent to the A907 between Manor Powis Roundabout and Manor Steps. Following local government reorganisation neither Clackmannanshire nor Stirling Councils could afford to complete the work. Representations were made to the Scottish Executive for funding.
In April 2000, Jack McConnell as Finance Minister, announced a £3.3 million award to complete the project. A further £900,000 was made available last year.
In 2001, the first two phases of the work were completed, creating a new stretch of road between Dumyat Park and the River Devon and a new roundabout. A new railway bridge over the Menstrie rail spur completed the Clackmannanshire stretch of the A907. This month the final 1.7 kilometre stretch from Manor Powis to River Devon completed the Stirling end of the new link.