Residents to glimpse the shape of things to come

Public can have say on designs for £113m Cross Tay Link Road project at three upcoming events in Perthshire

New designs for the £113 million Cross Tay Link Road will be unveiled to the public next week.

Residents are being asked to help shape the highly anticipated construction project, which represents the second phase of Perth and Kinross Council’s largest-ever infrastructure scheme.

The much-needed bridge, part of the Perth Transport Futures Project, will connect the A93 and A94 north of Scone with the A9 between Inveralmond and Luncarty.

Proposals for the development, including a realignment of part of the A9 dual carriageway, will be available for scrutiny at a series of public meetings this month.

A local authority spokeswoman said: “The Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR) will help alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution in Perth City Centre and Bridgend, as well as facilitating sustainable development as envisaged in the council’s Local Development Plan.”

Funding was secured for the crossing in June 2016 and the preferred route was rubber-stamped a few months later.

The council struck a £3.3 million deal with Swedish firm Sweco to design the project, as well as carry out a questionnaire among locals as part of an extensive land purchase exercise.

Over the past year, the company has been working with council road officers on a series of surveys and investigations at the earmarked land.

Members of the public can pore over the latest artists’ impressions at three consultation events, which start at Perth Concert Hall on May 21 from 2pm to 8pm.

The exercise will continue at Luncarty Memorial Hall on May 23 from 4pm to 7pm and on May 28 in the RDM Institute, Scone, from 4pm to 7pm.

The council’s spokeswoman said: “There will be an opportunity for members of the public to view the current design, meet the council team responsible for the project, meet the designers, give their views and ask any relevant questions.”

The last major infrastructure change in Perth was more than 35 years ago, with the construction of the Perth western bypass. It is understood the project has the potential to create between 3,000 and 5,000 jobs by opening up new development land.

It will also allow more direct access to Scone Palace and the racecourse, making it more attractive as a venue for major events.

A report to councillors last year estimated that for every £1 invested in the link road, £4.30 of revenue will be generated.

The intention is to start construction next year with a view to opening it in 2022.

Images provided by Perth and Kinross Council to illustrate how the link road will look.