Rural roads to get £2 million revamp
Four rural roads are to be brought up to scratch as part of a project worth just over £2 million.
Perth and Kinross Council successfully applied for a £1,478,000 Forestry Commission Scotland grant for the scheme, which will be topped up with £633,819 from municipal coffers.
The narrow routes under the microscope, all used to transport timber from forests, are the B846 between Rannoch Station and Tummel Bridge, B847 from Balmore on the north side of Loch Rannoch to the A9 at Calvine, the road between Path of Condie and Dunning and a road between Meikle Seggie and Ballingall.
Plans include the construction of 9.1 miles of carriageway and edge strengthening works, 14 embankment supports and the construction of 92 passing places.
Conditions tied to the money require the revamp to be completed by the end of March next year.
The council has said disruption in the form of road closures is necessary “in the interest of public safety”.
Work is due to start in August and last through the winter.
Road closures are planned to take effect from September until January, although not for the entire period, and access will be maintained to properties with signposted diversion routes.
It is claimed the project will minimise disruption to both local communities and the forestry industry.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Campbell said: “As a Highland councillor, I am well aware of the poor condition of roads and the need for urgent repairs and I’m delighted that we have secured this level of funding to improve our residents’ roads.
“The areas that will be affected by these works are popular tourist destinations, providing access to Highland Perthshire and the Ochil Hills. They also serve a number of small, remote rural communities.
“The proposed road
The B846 is part of the package improvements will deliver significant benefits to the local communities and a range of other road users by increasing the safety of motorists, cyclists, walkers and horse riders, improving traffic flow and helping to minimise disruption and congestion.
“The project aims to create sustainable routes which, at the same time, are sympathetic to their environment.”
Construction plans are currently being developed to synchronise work in the individual areas.
The plans will be made available to support discussions aimed at progressing the project with local elected members, local residents, public transport providers and community and business groups.