A9 review will not impact on link road
Roads chiefs have said a recently announced review of the A9 dualling project will not impact on the council’s looming Cross Tay Link Road project.
Transport Scotland made the statement after Perth councillor Chris Ahern wrote to Scottish transport minister Michael Matheson raising concerns the review could interfere with the local authority’s plans to link the A93 and A94 to the A9 via a new crossing northwest of Perth Racecourse.
The Scottish Conservative said in his letter he was worried the review of the £3 billion dualling project might result in it being stretched far into the future or even stopped altogether, and this might have a knock-on effect on any advantages to be gained from building the CTLR.
The local authority is convinced traffic congestion in the city will ease once the new link road is in place as drivers will be able to bypass the city centre to get to their destinations.
But critics say its creation will only make congestion at key junctions like the Inveralmond and Broxden roundabouts worse in the long run as more drivers who choose to use the new route end up joining queues on various approaches to these points during peak times.
Councillor Ahern said in his letter to Mr Matheson: “It has come to my attention that the A9 dualling project is under review and there is local concern that the project may be extended and/or cease.
“I would like to express deepest concerns if this were indeed the case and that this would be a backward step and a break of [a] promise to the residents and visitors of Perth and Kinross.
“Perth ... is the gateway for all areas of Scotland and this promised betterment for the A9 is a long time coming.
“The lockdown restrictions have put many businesses under immense pressure and, with the hope of these necessary constraints being eased for the spring and summer months, many city centre businesses are looking to increased visitors from staycations to boost an already difficult situation.
“The betterment of the road between Perth and Inverness has never been more important.”
Asked if Cllr Ahern was right to be concerned about the review, a Transport Scotland spokesperson told the PA: “The Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness, and has already invested over £354 million to date delivering the dualling programme.
“As well as the completed section between Kincraig and Dalraddy, construction of the section between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam is progressing well and is currently due to complete in winter 2021.
“As we approach the conclusion of statutory procedures, we are making good progress with the necessary technical and commercial analysis required to shape the most efficient delivery model. We are also engaging with stakeholders and the construction industry to help finalise a procurement strategy that will allow us to progress the remainder of the programme.
“The A9 dualling will bring many benefits for road users, communities and businesses who live along it, including those in Perth and Kinross. Our plans for the A9 dualling will not impact on local plans for the CTLR.”