Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: programme pipeline update - March 2022

Sector: Transport

Programme name: A9 Dual carriageway

Programme description: Phased improvements to the existing A9 Perth to Inverness.

Estimated total investment: £3 billion.

How is programme being funded: First three phases of programme capital funded. A range of financing options to be considered during subsequent stages of design and assessment.

Programme delivery timetable: Preparatory and construction work underway with phased programme of schemes as they emerge from statutory process. A market consultation exercise was undertaken in 2021 to inform assessment of procurement options for the remaining sections when the statutory process is complete. Determination of the optimal procurement option is a complex exercise which is considering a pipeline of work in a form that can be delivered by the industry, supports the economic recovery post COVID-19 and minimises disruption to users of this lifeline route. Completion of this assessment will inform decision making on the procurement approach for the remaining schemes.

Latest programme progress: Design is nearing completion (for eight of nine sections), delivery is underway and we are finalising the assessment of options to determine the most efficient delivery model for the remainder of the programme. The second stretch to be dualled between Luncarty and Birnam opened to traffic on 28 August 2021 and was completed on 9 December 2021 . The next section to be constructed is between Tomatin and Moy. The start of procurement for the £115 million construction contract commenced with the publication of the Contract notice on 19 August 2021. This is expected to be awarded in the second half of 2022.

At the same time, design work is also progressing well with the statutory process well underway for seven of the remaining eight schemes. Ministerial consent to publish Made Orders has been received for six of these projects. In addition to Tomatin to Moy, made orders for four more schemes were published recently: Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore in July 2021 and Tay Crossing to Ballinluig and Pitlochry to Killiecrankie in November 2021. We also expect a decision by Ministers on Public Local Inquiry Reports for another scheme shortly. Subject to positive decisions, this would pave the way for completing the statutory processes for approximately 92% of the programme. The only section not to have started the statutory process is Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing, which was subject to a Co-creative Process and where work is currently underway to identify the preferred route.

Contribution to economic development: It is designed to deliver economic growth through improved road safety and reliable and quicker journey times, as well as better links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities.

Contact for public enquiries: email: A9Dualling@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: A96 Dual carriageway

Programme description: Phased improvements to the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen.

Estimated total investment: £3 billion.

How is programme being funded: A range of financing options to be considered during subsequent stages of design and assessment.

Programme delivery timetable: The Scottish Government is committed to improving the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen and will take forward a transport enhancements programme on the corridor. Delivery of any section of the dualling programme can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory procedures and thereafter a timetable for its progress can be set.

Latest programme progress: On the Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) section following consideration of the Public Local Inquiry Reporters' Report, Scottish Ministers have decided to make the Orders for the scheme with Decision letters issued on 19 February 2021. Route option assessment work on the section between Hardmuir and east of Fochabers has been completed with a preferred option announced at a series of public exhibitions held in December 2018. Route option assessment work on the section between east of Huntly and Aberdeen is now complete and the preferred option was announced at a virtual exhibition on 21 December 2020.

As part of the Co-operation Agreement with the Scottish Green Party, concluded on 30 August 2021, the Scottish Government will take forward a transport enhancements programme on the corridor that improves connectivity between surrounding towns, tackles congestion and addresses safety and environmental issues. The current plan is to fully dual the A96 route between Inverness and Aberdeen, however, it has been agreed to conduct a transparent evidence-based review of the programme which is underway and will report by the end of 2022.

Contribution to economic development: Economic growth through reduced journey times, improved journey time reliability, improved road safety and opportunities for active travel and public transport.

Contact for public enquiries: email: A96Dualling@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: A82 Tarbet to Inverarnan

Programme description: Improvements to the 17 km route between Tarbet and Inverarnan adjacent to the west bank of Loch Lomond.

Estimated total investment: £250 million-£500 million.

How is programme being funded: Capital funded

Programme delivery timetable: Delivery of the scheme can only commence when it is approved under the statutory procedures and thereafter a timetable for construction can be set.

Latest programme progress: Detailed development and assessment of the preferred option for the A82 between Tarbet to Inverarnan scheme is being informed by an enhanced understanding of the specific complexities of improving this iconic route. Detailed consideration of mitigating disruption to all road users during construction is being informed through on-going engagement with key stakeholders.

Contribution to economic development: Economic growth through improved road safety, increased opportunities for active travel and public transport, and improved journey time reliability.

Contact for public enquiries: email: A82upgrade@jacobs.com

Programme name: Glasgow Subway Modernisation

Programme description: Major modernisation includes a smartcard ticketing system linked to wider integrated ticketing; new rolling stock and signalling; refurbished stations with improved accessibility including replacing escalators.

Estimated total investment: Scottish Government contribution of up to £246 million to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) towards estimated total project cost £287.5 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding contribution up to period 2024-25.

Programme delivery timetable: Modernisation will support the future of the Subway, linking it to other transport modes across the City of Glasgow, including the Interchanges at Govan and Partick and contribute to the regeneration of the City.

Latest programme progress: COVID-19 has continued to have an impact on modernisation progress, although this is now easing as restrictions are lifted. COVID-19 measures across UK and Europe have continued to restrict progress and the restrictions on international travel have prevented or prolonged factory testing activity and delivery of key equipment. Works have continued on the infrastructure workstream with the ongoing focus of completing key improvement and modification works across tunnel, track and line assets, in readiness for the new system and mainline train testing.

Contribution to economic development: Economic growth through improved accessibility, integration of public transport and improved journey time reliability.

Contact for public enquiries: email: enquiry@spt.co.uk

Programme name: Active Freeways

Programme description: High quality arterial active travel, providing sustainable transport infrastructure between settlements and major trip attractors.

Estimated total investment: £50 million.

How is programme being funded: To be determined.

Programme delivery timetable: For delivery of projects on the ground in 2025-26 (Scheme design and development during 2021-22 to 2024-25).

Latest programme progress: Progress on Active Freeways concept is being undertaken with the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2). Consultation on the 45 draft STPR2 recommendations took place between January and April 2022. The final recommendations and accompanying delivery plan are to be published in Autumn 2022.

Contribution to economic development: Development of active freeways on radial routes and other high-demand corridors in Scotland's large urban areas, with priority given initially to the larger cities. Comprehensive networks of active freeways would connect outlying neighbourhoods, including those with poor existing links, to city centres and other important destinations. Supporting connections would allow people to readily access active freeways from their homes, schools and workplaces, and other busy locations. Active freeways would also connect to other routes to provide links to neighbouring settlements.

Contact for public enquiries: email: stpr2@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Future Transport Fund – capital to support a range of low and zero carbon investment

Programme description: Grants and investments to support a range of low and zero carbon transport initiatives such as: electric vehicle charging and hydrogen infrastructure; fleet transformation; Innovation and Sector Transition Initiative; Freight Facilities Grant; Strategic Timber Transport Scheme.

Estimated total investment: £287 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Latest programme progress: Announced a new £60 million public/private funding scheme to support the new vision for scaling up and commercialising investment in electric vehicle charging across Scotland. Utilising new evidence and data to support ongoing engagement with public bodies to deliver fleet rationalisation and decarbonisation, investing £9 million in decarbonisation of public body fleets this financial year.

Investing £9.5 million in innovation and supply chain projects, amongst others, working in partnership with the University of St Andrews, Scottish Enterprise and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc to deliver the LOCATE drivetrain testing facility which is due to open in the summer of 2023.

Driving the Electric Revolution Scotland (DERS) Industrialisation Centre - Working in partnership with the Strathclyde University to support the creation of an innovation centre supporting the development and testing of components and systems for zero emission vehicles. Industry engagement for equipment and building specifications has now been completed. DERS is set to open in 2022.

Contribution to economic development: Economic growth through the provision of infrastructure to reduce the cost and time required to develop and test of zero emission vehicles, supporting economic opportunities in Scotland's automotive supply chain and supporting the development of local markets for hydrogen, supporting public sector fleet decarbonisation, and leveraging Scotland's strengths in renewable energy generation and opportunities for economic growth through hydrogen supply chain development.

Contact for public enquiries: email: TSLCE.BMU@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Future Transport Fund – Bus Priority Investment

Programme description: Investment in bus priority infrastructure to tackle the negative impacts of congestion on bus services and raise bus usage.

Estimated total investment: £505 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Latest programme progress: Eleven local bus partnerships have now been awarded funding through the Bus Partnership Fund. The funding is worth a total of £25.8 million and covers 28 local authorities across Scotland. This is initial funding towards the delivery of bus priority on local roads and will fund quick wins and appraisal work to support local transport authorities towards developing business cases which will detail how the investment will achieve strategic objectives.

Contribution to economic development: The Bus Partnership Fund focusses on the evidence of how bus services will be improved by addressing congestion. The approach is also expected to leverage other bus service improvements to help tackle the climate emergency, reduce private car use and increase bus patronage.

Contact for public enquiries: email: jennifer.ruddick@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Support for zero-emission bus fleet transition

Programme description: Supports the transition to zero-emission buses and considers input from the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce.

Estimated total investment: £120 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Latest programme progress: Awards of £63 million through Phase 1 of the Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund were announced on 28 February 2022. The funding is supporting bus operators acquire 276 new zero emission buses and associated charging infrastructure.

Contribution to economic development: The Challenge Fund aims to support the pathway to zero emission buses designed by the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce. Specifically, the Fund is designed to support change across the market so that zero-emission buses become a self-sustaining industry, with new, collaborative, business models being adopted by bus operators and energy providers which leverage in commercial investment, drive down prices of new technology, and support the circular economy for vehicle batteries. To date, the Scottish Government has awarded £113 million supporting the purchase of 548 new battery-electric buses. In each funding round we have been able to reduce the subsidy per bus as the market adjusts.

Contact for public enquiries: email: sara.grainger@transport.gov.scot / email: john.maxwell@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Rail Decarbonisation Action Plan

Programme description: Initial Decarbonisation projects subject to STPR (Strategic Transport Projects Review) Phase 2 alignment (not exhaustive) include Aberdeen to Central Belt Electrification, Traction Power – Feeder stations to support Electrification, Levenmouth Electrification, Fife Phase 1 & 2 and East Kilbride.

Estimated total investment: £907 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26 for initial projects. Full programme is around 15 years.

Latest programme progress: We will decarbonise Scotland's passenger rail services by 2035, ahead of the UK's target of 2040. Continued development of rail decarbonisation strategy and delivery of initial projects, ensuring alignment with STPR2 Phase 1, National Transport Strategy, Capital Spending Review and wider SG Policy. Alignment of decarbonisation projects with the STPR 2 Phase 2 consultation which is currently underway.

We have already announced the Decarbonisation of the Barrhead lines due for completion in December 2023 and the electrification of the new Levenmouth railway due for completion Spring 2024. We continue to make good progress on the development of the next phase of decarbonisation projects for the East Kilbride, Borders and Fife routes

Contribution to economic development: Through investment in electrification and complementary traction systems, we will decarbonise the traction element of domestic daytime passenger rail journeys in Scotland. This also demonstrates our approach to investment in green technologies and our commitment to creating a greener, more environmentally just economy with growth in greener, more sustainable sectors.

Contact for public enquiries: email: Edward.Mchugh2@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Skye Triangle Infrastructure Programme

Programme description: Infrastructure improvement work at the following ports: Uig (Skye), Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist).

Estimated total investment: £108 million.

How is programme being funded: Capital funding / Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: Estimated completion dates:

• Tarbert: Winter 2021 (marine works) Spring 2023 (landside terminal building)
• Lochmaddy: Spring 2023
• Uig: Winter 2023

Latest programme progress: The estimated total investment has increased from £95 million to £108 million a result of increased costs from tenders (specifically the Uig project).

Tarbert – marine construction contract awarded in September 2019. Works were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Re-mobilisation of works commenced on site on 29 June 2020 with works completed January 2022.

Tarbert - Landside infrastructure works. In March 2022 a contract was awarded to local building firm Lewis Builders to construct a new terminal building at Tarbert. Works to build the new terminal building will begin in Spring 2022 and is anticipated to take a year to complete (Spring 2023).

Lochmaddy - Second procurement exercise completed in September 2021 with a contract award to George Leslie Ltd in February 2022. George Leslie Ltd will be responsible for completing all civil engineering works for the harbour upgrade project, including the extension and strengthening of the pier, upgraded fendering, seabed dredging land reclamation and extended marshalling and parking areas. Constructions works scheduled to start in March 2022 and complete in Spring 2023. CalMac will continue to operate ferry services during the works.

Uig construction project - In November 2021, the Highland Council awarded RJMcleod Ltd the civil engineering contract for infrastructure improvements at the port. The works include an extended marshalling area, new berthing structure strengthening and widening, linkspan replacement, approach way repair and widening, a relocated new waiting shelter, a new terminal building (to be tendered separately and constructed during the main works), dredging and utility provision. Works are expected to be completed by Winter 2023.

Contribution to economic development: The Skye Triangle Infrastructure Programme contributes to the economic development of these island populations, communities and businesses, by ensuring that its upgraded port infrastructure supports and ensures ferry services continue to operate, thus boosting economic sustainability through tourism; for this route. (Tarbert (Harris), Lochmaddy and Uig.

Contact for public enquiries: email: caroline.connelly@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Rail Major Project Enhancements

Programme description: Funds Pipeline of Rail Infrastructure projects to enhance Scotland's Railway. Initial Non -Decarbonisation projects subject to STPR (Strategic Transport Projects Review) Phase 2 alignment (not exhaustive) include Aberdeen to Central Belt (Journey Time Improvements), Access for All schemes, Far north Line, Freight Gauging, Stations (New & Upgrades) and Levenmouth – Reconnection Project.

Estimated total investment: £406 million.

How is programme being funded: Grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: Various projects durations.

Latest programme progress: Work is now underway on the Levenmouth Railway project which will deliver a double tracked electrified railway with 2 new stations and active travel links by Spring 2024. We continue to make good progress on our new stations. In the Borders, the new Reston station will enter service in May 2022 followed by East Linton Station in summer 2023. The new Inverness Airport Station will enter service in December 2022. Financial reviews undertaken to align project progress with budget requirements. and the alignment of Rail Major Project Enhancements (non-decarb) projects continues pending the outcome of the current STPR 2 Phase 2 consultation process.

Contribution to economic development: To deliver a programme of enhancements, which can deliver improvements to journey times and increases in capacity and reliability for passenger and freight services. By implementing Access for All measures it will improve the accessibility of Scotland's railway stations.

Contact for public enquiries: email: Edward.Mchugh2@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: CMAL – Voted Loans – net vessel investment

Programme description: Provides for loans to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) for procurement of vessels. Proposals cover: Islay, Gourock-Dunoon/Kilcreggan, Small Vessel Replacement Programme, Oban-Craignure, Mallaig-Lochboisdale, Northern Isles freighters.

Estimated total investment: £281 million.

How is programme being funded: Voted loans.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Latest programme progress: Engagement between Transport Scotland and CMAL is ongoing via working groups, including CalMac and Serco NorthLink as ferry operators.

CMAL confirmed the purchase of MV Utne (now MV Loch Frisa) in October 2021. The vessel is undergoing modification and improvement works and is expected to enter service on the Craignure – Oban route in summer 2022.

CMAL awarded contracts for two new major vessels for Islay routes in March 2022. The first vessel is expected to be delivered by October 2024 and will enter service following sea trials and crew familiarisation. The second vessel will follow in early 2025.

Design consultants have been appointed to progress the Small Vessel Replacement Programme. This will result in up to 7 new vessels serving communities across Scotland within the next five years.

Consideration continues to be given to bringing additional vessels in to the CMAL fleet for deployment on the Hebrides ferry service (CHFS) and Northern Isles ferry service. (NIFS) networks through potential purchase of second hand vessels.

Contribution to economic development: Delivery of new and additional vessels contributes to the economic development of our island and remote communities and businesses through improved ferry services.

Contact for public enquiries: email: david.torrance@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Piers and Harbours Grants

Programme description: Provides grants to fund port operators (other than local authorities) for improvement to piers and harbours, particularly to support ferry services to and from Scotland's islands. Includes project such as Ardrossan, Skye Triangle and Gourock Harbour, proposed projects at Lochboisdale, Armadale and Kennacraig, and an Oban Masterplan.

Estimated total investment: £306 million (this figure includes Skye Triangle as stated above).

How is programme being funded: Capital funding / Grant funding as per GBER Article 56(b) regulations which dictate what funding intervention rate is applied.

Programme delivery timetable: 2021-22 to 2025-26 .

Latest programme progress: Engagement between Transport Scotland and projects leads, such as Peel Ports / North Ayrshire Council and CMAL is ongoing via working groups, including CalMac as ferry operator.

Ardrossan – work continues on the landside infrastructure including the Passenger Access System (PAS) and Liquefied natural gas (LNG) work-streams. Discussions on commercial arrangements between Transport Scotland and Peel Ports Group continue.

Troon – fender works have been completed including a new suspended concrete deck to support the ferry service when it operates temporarily out of the port during the Ardrossan construction period. Landside infrastructure improvements such as marshalling, temporary terminal building, car parking provisions etc expected to be completed by Summer 2022.

Gourock - project is in the design and planning stage being developed by CMAL following the public consultation event in October 2021. Engagement with communities will follow once the project progresses. Other pipeline projects are at early stages of development.

Contribution to economic development: Upgrades made possible by grant funding to port and harbours infrastructure contributes to the economic development of island communities and communities and businesses, by ensuring that the port infrastructure supports and ensures ferry services continue to operate.

Contact for public enquiries: email: david.torrance@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd Air Traffic Control Services

Programme description: Programme to address current and future operational and regulatory challenges by modernising air traffic control, improving service resilience and air traffic services provision through the introduction of surveillance at selected HIAL airfields controlled from a Combined Surveillance Centre – with the aim of safeguarding future connectivity and lifeline services for island and remote communities.

Estimated total investment: £34.7 million.

How is programme being funded: Capital grant funding.

Programme delivery timetable: Full operational date is estimated to be late 2020s.

Latest programme progress: Following negotiations with the trade union and subsequent ballot by members, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) are developing a business case for their proposed new strategic direction. The new strategic direction involves introducing a centralised surveillance operation for Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Inverness and Dundee airports based at HIAL's existing approach radar facility at Inverness airport. The Air Traffic Tower function and associated jobs would be retained at each of these airports. The previously proposed "Remote Tower" element would be removed. The overall objective of the programme remains to improve safety, reliability and sustainability.

Contribution to economic development: The aim of the project is to ensure the continuation of air services in the Highlands and Islands in the medium to long term, which in turn, helps to secure the economic prosperity of remote and rural communities. The cessation of air services would have a devastating impact on these communities by making it harder for residents to access services that cannot be provided locally and for businesses to access markets. Making these communities less appealing places to live would exacerbate depopulation threatening their viability.

Contact for public enquiries: email: AviationCell@transport.gov.scot

Programme name: Road Adaptations Fund

Programme description: Trunk Road Minor Improvement Schemes to address the impacts of climate change, improve network efficiency, safety and resilience contributing to a low carbon economy.

Estimated total investment: £60 million.

How is programme being funded: Capital funded.

Programme delivery timetable: 2022-23 to 2025-26.

Latest programme progress: Budget has been allocated from 2022-23 and will be utilised accordingly in due course. A programme of projects across Scotland has been commenced with several schemes due to be delivered this financial year.

Contribution to economic development: Fund enables significant value multidisciplinary schemes to be progressed ranging from specific roads schemes to joint schemes that interface with rail, sea and active travel. Schemes will improve connectivity, journey time reliability and safety of the road network, which includes a number geotechnical improvements in complex locations across the north of Scotland.

Over next 3 years, fund will contribute to a number of high profile schemes across Scotland including concluding short term mitigation works at A83 Rest and Be Thankful, new Lhanbryde Cycleway as well as A893 Ullapool Harbour and Shore Street upgrades. In addition, there are planned improvements to A830 Borrodale Bridge, collaborating with Network Rail, and non-motorised unit improvements on A9 Raigmore Interchange, working with Highland Council. These schemes will provide safety and active travel improvements.

As well as large notable projects the fund also allows smaller improvements to be made to the network. These often provide significant betterment to existing outdated provisions such as linking cycle paths / footways, review of Vehicle Restraint Systems, and layby upgrading/provision. This contributes to reliability and road safety for transport of goods, general travel and connectivity across Scotland.

Contact for public enquiries: email: George.fiddes@transport.gov.scot