Moving forward with plan for new link road

Council has signed £3.3m deal with consultants to start planning Cross Tay Link Road

Council chiefs are launching a land grab bid to pave the way for a new bridge over the Tay.

The Cross Tay Link Road project is expected to create thousands of jobs by unlocking development land on the edge of Perth, as well as relieving traffic problems at hotspots such as Bridgend and Atholl Street.

The new route – part of the Perth Transport Futures scheme – is expected to deliver a near £500 million boost to the local economy.

Now Perth and Kinross Council has struck a £3.3 million deal with a consultancy firm to get the ball rolling on an extensive land purchase exercise.

Questionnaires have gone out to properties along the earmarked route to gather data about what sites are available and what ones may need to be secured using compulsory purchase powers.

Swedish firm Sweco has been brought in to assist council officers on land acquisition and other preparatory work.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the £3.3m contract had been factored into the £113m overall cost.

The council already has two-thirds of funding in place, while the remaining £35m will be part of the Tay Cities Deal.

The spokeswoman said: “The contract is for the provision of design consultancy support to the roads infrastructure team within the council to take phase two of the Perth Transport Futures Project.

“The scope of the work includes various site investigations, assistance with the land purchase process, the specimen design, preparation of the environmental assessments and appraisals, preparation of the planning application, engagement and management of utility diversions, preparation of contract documents, support during the procurement process and site supervision of the main contract, as well as any advance works which may be undertaken.”

A council report by deputy chief executive Jim Valentine describes Perth as a “major strategic hub” in Scotland’s roads network, but adds the danger of traffic grinding to a standstill is hampering economic progress.

“Over the past 20 years, as a result of increasing levels of traffic and new local development, there has been increasing concern about the noticeable increase in traffic congestion and related air quality issues in and around Perth,” he said.

“As a result of these traffic and air quality issues, it was clear that there were both current current – and potentially exacerbated future – problems which needed to be addressed.”

Mr Valentine added: “Failure to examine this congestion will continue to undermine the air quality problem and the increased congestion and delays will further constrain the day to day operations of the city centre.”

Construction could begin as early as 2019 and if all goes to plan the new road will be open by 2022.

Overthe past 20 years... there has been increasing concern about the noticeable increase in traffic congestion and related air quality issues in and around Perth. JIM VALENTINE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE