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Airport operator backs rail link Airport operator backs rail link
(30 minutes later)
Plans to build a £650m rail link to Edinburgh Airport have received a significant boost.Plans to build a £650m rail link to Edinburgh Airport have received a significant boost.
Airport operator BAA has withdrawn its objections to the scheme and said it would be fully involved in the development.Airport operator BAA has withdrawn its objections to the scheme and said it would be fully involved in the development.
BAA was believed to have been concerned about the risk posed to the runway by tunnelling required for the project.BAA was believed to have been concerned about the risk posed to the runway by tunnelling required for the project.
Now BAA has received sufficient assurances from the developers and has given the scheme its blessing.Now BAA has received sufficient assurances from the developers and has given the scheme its blessing.
Construction is expected to start next year, with completion in 2011.Construction is expected to start next year, with completion in 2011.
This will transform Scotland's entire rail network and gives 3.2 million of Scotland's people direct rail access to Edinburgh Airport. Willie GallagherTransport Initiatives Edinburgh
BAA underlined its support for the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project as it signed a "milestone" legal agreement with project promoter, Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (Tie) on Tuesday.
Stephen Baxter, managing director of BAA Scotland, said: "I am very pleased that this milestone agreement with Tie has been signed.
"All of us at BAA, and specifically at Edinburgh Airport, look forward to working with Tie, playing our part in the delivery of this ambitious and challenging project."
Direct rail access
Willie Gallagher, Chairman of Tie, said: "This is great news for Scotland.
"This will transform Scotland's entire rail network and gives 3.2 million of Scotland's people direct rail access to Edinburgh Airport.
"It is good for the environment, it is good for congestion, it is good for jobs, it is good for the economy and great for all of us who live and work in Scotland."
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said: "I am delighted that agreement has been reached and that BAA has withdrawn their objection.
"I want them as full partners in this project which will benefit Scotland whilst serving Scotland's capital.
"This new link will offer real transport choices, while improving the quality of people's journeys."