Michael Matheson has been urged to give a “full and urgent” update to MSPs on the contractual dispute that has led to the delayed opening of the AWPR’s Don Crossing.
Holyrood Rural Economy Committee convener Edward Mountain has written to the Transport Secretary demanding details of action being taken to resolve the disagreement with Aberdeen Roads Ltd (ARL).
Mr Mountain said an update from the Cabinet Secretary would allow the committee to decide if Mr Matheson and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) contractors needed to be hauled back before MSPs.
The demand was made after North East Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald wrote to Mr Mountain saying the delay to the final stretch of the bypass was “unacceptable”.
Mr Matheson has said he is waiting for ARL to produce a legally binding commitment relating to the future maintenance of the road.
In a letter to the Transport Secretary Mr Mountain said: “I would request that you provide a full and urgent update to the Committee on the background to this disagreement, together with details of the action that you and Transport Scotland officials are taking to ensure it is resolved.”
Mr Macdonald said: “I welcome the committee’s call for a full and urgent explanation of the failure to get the last remaining stretch of the AWPR open.
“If that is not forthcoming, I hope they will call the Minister and the contractors to explain themselves in person as a matter of urgency.”
A Scottish Government spokespetson said: “The Cabinet Secretary has always been completely open about this issue and will, of course, be happy to provide a further update to the committee.
“The delays caused by ARL’s technical issues on the Don Crossing are well-documented.
“As explained last week, final assurances are required around the future maintenance liability associated with ARL’s repairs.
“We are working closely with ARL to achieve this position.
“Once these assurances are received, there is no further barrier to opening the final section of the road.”