Work to deliver improvements to Scotland's road and rail networks, new rail links and roads and improving reliability and journey times will continue to support Scotland's economy, Chief Executive Dr Malcolm Reed, said today.

National transport agency Transport Scotland today publishes its three year Corporate Plan 2008-11 which sets out the role the agency will play in delivering Scottish Ministers' strategic priorities which are internationally recognised to be critical to economic growth, particularly infrastructure investment.

Chief Executive, Dr Malcolm Reed, said: "This is our second Corporate Plan which sets out our strategic direction for the next three years. We have significant challenges ahead not least in recognising and adapting to the changing climate which includes where appropriate, promoting more sustainable means of transport and public transport alternatives. We are also responsible for delivering a Forth Replacement Crossing, the largest transport infrastructure project for a generation.

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"Investment in trunk roads and rail in Scotland is at a record high. Up to 2011, Scottish Government has allocated £6.5 billion to Transport Scotland for investment in transport infrastructure and services. We are also working on the Strategic Transport Projects Review, assessing future investment options from 2012 for Ministers to consider. This is an exciting time for transport in Scotland and by working with others we are confident we will continue to deliver the improvements that play such an important role in Scotland's success."

By the end of 2011, Transport Scotland plans to deliver a number of major improvements to transport infrastructure and services which will support Scotland’s growth and productivity.

Plans include building the M74 extension, the railway to Glasgow airport, completing the M8 between Newhouse and Baillieston, upgrading the A80 to motorway between Stepps and Haggs - all completed in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014

Design, development and procurement strategy for the Forth Replacement Crossing will completed and be ready to start construction.

Other schemes include, construction of a new rail link to the Borders, plans for the dualling of the A9 between Perth and Inverness being taken forward and construction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and completing the dual carriageway from Balmedie to Tipperty.

(GK/JM)