A9/A85 upgrade scheme on course

Drivers facing major tailbacks because of upgrade works on the A9/A85 junction west of Perth have been boosted by news that it is on schedule.

That means that the first stage of the £35million scheme should be lifted at the end of June – just in time for the summer break.

But with the upgrade not due to be completed until March 2019, there will be further disruption ahead for motorists.

Delays of up to an hour during holiday periods have been reported since the project between Inveralmond and Crieff Road started affecting the existing carriageways at the end of February.

A contraflow system for traffic heading north on the A9 has been slowing vehicle movements heading to both Broxden and beyond Perth. A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council confirmed yesterday that the large-scale project was on course.

PKC said“In terms of the current works and contraflow on the A9 between Broxden and Inveralmond these are on schedule and due to be completed on or before June 29, 2017.

“Work will continue on either side of the A9 after that.”The Perthshire Advertiser also asked about the follow on stages for the development.

The scheme will extend to a new junction and road by Perth Crematorium and alongside St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park, with access to the Bertha Park on the A85 around Huntingtower.

PKC says that it will be publicising the next steps before the end of May.