10:30AM SNP warns cost issues on QS firm’s airport link risks creating “another Holyrood”

A furore has erupted over a Turner & Townsend project in Scotland. The Scottish National Party has warned that the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link could become “another Holyrood” due to spiralling costs.

The scheme’s projected cost has risen from £500m in 2004 to a figure between £610m and £650m. Transport minister Tavish Scott has said that the rise is due to inflation. But the SNP has warned that costs are “escalating dangerously”. The SNP argued that the money would be better spent on other projects and vowed to scrap the scheme if it got into power.

The Edinburgh Airport Rail Link private bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in March 2006. It is currently in the approval stage of the bill process.

The timescale for the projects is:

Dec 2003 to Dec 2004:Technical Development including public consultation

Jan to May 2005: Development of environmental statement, bill & business case

Late Summer 2005: Introduction of bill to Scottish Parliament

Late 2006:Royal assent to the bill

2007-2010:Construction period

2010/11: Rail link operational

The engineering works required to implement the scheme would include:

  • 10 miles of double track railway
  • 7 main junctions, one grade separated
  • 1.6 miles of tunnel
  • 22 bridge structures
  • Temporary local diversion of the River Almond
  • Permanent diversion of the Gogar Burn
  • Airport accommodation works
  • Utilities diversions
The Edinburgh Airport Rail Link would connect 62 stations throughout Scotland to the airport. To see an interactive map of the proposed route visit, click here

Source

QS News