Businesses have been given a boost after roads chiefs announced a major £1 million investment into Inverclyde’s cracked main carriageways.

Scotland Transerv has announced that they are to get to work on projects on both the A8 and A78 in  Inverclyde, which they maintain on behalf of the government’s Transport Scotland agency.

Local MSP, Stuart McMillan who has been pushing for money for both routes, today welcomed the cash injection which comes just weeks after Inverclyde Chamber, on behalf of local businesses, had raised issues with the state of the local road network.

The vast bulk of the money will be used to fund an autumn resurfacing programme.

Gavin McDonagh, President of ICC said:

“The news of this investment is very welcome and we are pleased to see action being taken following our recent meeting with the transport authorities.

“We are still keen to see improvements made to the signalling flow throughout Inverclyde and shall continue to campaign for this to be upgraded on behalf of our members and communities.”

Mr McMillan said:

“Following my meeting with Transport Scotland’s chief executive last year and my two drives around Inverclyde with senior Transport Scotland officials last summer and last month, I welcome this significant investment to the area. I am glad that the pressure is paying off.

“I have always had positive and productive discussions with both Transport Scotland and Scotland Transerv, but often I have felt the follow-up actions haven’t been quick enough.

“However, to see such a significant amount of investment being announced following our most recent drive around the constituency with Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce is a real positive.

“Being able to bring the local Chamber into recent discussions has allowed Transport Scotland to hear first-hand from the business community who rely on these roads to run their businesses.”

The improvement work will see resurfacing carried out at the A8 westbound approach to Newark Roundabout and the Pottery Street to Bogston stretch.

The rutted westbound approach to the Bullring Roundabout will also be upgraded.

Eastbound, crews will resurface the notorious stretch in Port Glasgow between the layby and Langbank rail bridge.

The roads agency will also continue to investigate the extent of the work required at the High Street bridge which passes above the Oak Mall shopping centre in Greenock.

On the A78, the stretch southbound at Spango Valley will be overhauled.

There will also be cash to improve the pedestrian guardrail at Barrs Cottage and access improvements at Chrisswell.

Meanwhile, commuters from Inverclyde will also benefit from the resurfacing of the A78 at Skelmorlie and Fairlie.

Transport Scotland says it has already spent £3.6m during 2018 and 2019, and a further £800k of network maintenance and bridge improvements is already being planned into 2020.

Paul Lynch, Scotland TranServ’s network manager, said:

“Across Inverclyde, Scotland TranServ is delivering an important programme of work to improve the region’s trunk road infrastructure on behalf of Transport Scotland, supporting the economic growth and development of local communities.”

This article appeared in the Greenock Telegraph.