Calls to upgrade 'vital' crossing

The councils want the road upgraded to become a key freight route

Calls to upgrade the A801 River Avon Gorge crossing between Falkirk and West Lothian are set to be heard at the Scottish Parliament.

Local transport planners will join a delegation from both local authorities at a presentation by MSP Cathy Peattie.

The councils plan to upgrade the road to form a key strategic link between the M8 and the M9 corridors and provide a freight route from Grangemouth docks.

They are calling for ministers to meet funding requirements for the project.

The port of Grangemouth handled nearly 10% of Scotland's GDP - £8.2bn in 2007.

Falkirk Council insist a connection to major industrial and distributor locations is vital for the future of the port.

'Huge benefits'

Leader Linda Gow said: "The strategically important Avon Gorge crossing would bring economic benefits to both Falkirk and West Lothian Councils and link Grangemouth to major distribution centres.

"We have a detailed scheme design, planning consents from both councils are in place and the land acquisition is almost complete.

"Now all that remains is to secure the vital funding which will reap huge benefits for the communities involved."

The latest cost estimate for the scheme is between £18m and £20m.

The Scottish Government recently placed Grangemouth's freight hub among nine national developments included in the National Planning Framework.

The authorities said if the current route, which is known locally as an accident hotspot, was improved it would lead to safer journeys, reduced journey times and lower fuel costs.

West Lothian Council's executive councillor for development and transport, Martyn Day, added: "West Lothian has Scotland's fastest growing population and it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that we have suitable transport links with neighbouring districts, such as Falkirk, and the rest of Scotland.

"This has been a long process and we are delighted that progress is now being made on this increasingly important strategic transport link."