Bid to improve timber transport

Perth and Kinross Council plan to continue surfacing works on timber transport roads into next year after successful bids for Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) funding for 2018 and 2019 .

Most of the improvements will take place in the Rannoch area.

The £1.48m grant from the Forestry Commission Scotland scheme, together with £634,000 match funding from the council, was used to build new retaining walls, strengthen road edges and carry out resurfacing work, as well as creating 92 new passing places to improve road safety for motorists, cyclists, walkers and horseriders alike.

The works enabled much needed improvements on five public roads three in rural Highland Perthshire, and two around Kinross and Dunning where the impact of timber transport journeys was already being felt.

A spokesperson on behalf of the council said:“All the roads are strategically important for long-term local forestry operations, in addition to providing access for tourists and residents.

“However, many sections of these roads are also narrow and posed difficulties in terms of sharp bends, reduced visibility for road users, and limited opportunities for vehicles, from cars and bikes to timber lorries and other HGVs to pass each other safely.”

Environment and infrastructure convener, Councillor Angus Forbes said:“The successful funding bid to the FCS for £1.48m has enabled us to put in place vital road improvement and safety measures on these public roads.

“Taking this action was crucial to mitigate the impact of heavy haulage movements on local communities.

“This has made travelling on these routes a safer experience now and into the future for all road users, as well as local residents and businesses.

“Going forward, I am delighted that we have been successful in bids for STTS funding in 2018/19 which will focus on surface dressing the roads which we completed work on earlier this year, and carrying out further timber transport road improvements in the Rannoch area.”