Priority demand from politicians
significant tailbacks.
Now the PA can reveal a solution to the issues is expected to take a major step forward by the end of 2017, following a commitment by Transport Scotland in the face of political pressure.
But, the timescale and costs of delivering on that commitment is less clear.
The PA has been pushing Transport Scotland for detail on the project for a number of years and earlier in 2017 we exclusively reported that a review of the M90/ A9 interchange some years ago was itself to be reviewed, with a solution seemingly caught up in bureaucracy.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson told us this week: “Improvements to the Broxden roundabout are a priority for the
Scottish Government and we recognise the role it plays in the strategic road network.
“We are working with Perth and Kinross Council to understand what improvements are needed to support development in the area and how developers will contribute towards these.”
Long-proposed solutions include dedicated left-turn lanes and traffic signals.
The spokesperson added: “We are now investigating these proposals in detail including various engineering aspects, such as lane geometry, land acquisition requirements, environmental impacts, installation costs and potential implementation timescales.
“We anticipate this exercise being completed this year. Thereafter we can take a view on future implementation. Details of costs and potential timing of any phased improvements will be dependent on the findings of the study.”
Infrastructure experts are also currently poring over the National Transport Strategy, first put together in 2006 and then refreshed in 2016, as part of the updated Strategic Transport Projects Review.
“With regards to improvements beyond those outlined above, the A9 at Perth will be considered further as part of the updated Strategic Transport Projects Review, which will be informed by the outcomes that emerge from the ongoing review of the National Transport Strategy.”
The roundabout is a strategic route with the nearby A9/A85 interchange works designed to alleviate traffic pressures around the city, while also playing a major part in the dualled A9 which is expected to be in place for 2025.
Traffic modelling shown the PA also reveals that part of the wider issue is Broxden, as is Atholl Street, one of the worst-polluted streets in the country.
Also demanding change is Perth councillor Willie Wilson, who has written to transport minister Humza Yousaf.
He wants Mr Yousaf to place Broxden high on the list and avoid delays to funding the road scheme.
Councillor Wilson said: “I am pleased I have had a positive response from the minister, however, did not give any indication as to when these improvements would be carried out or how they might be funded.
“I will continue to press the minister and the Scottish Government for a firm commitment on timescales and funding for the improvements that the Broxden roundabout so desperately needs.”
Broxden’s trafficclogged notoriety is welldocumented, especially on social media where it regularly features as a problem spot for frustrated drivers.