Six-month A9 work at Tummel Bridge starts

A six-month maintenance project on the A9 at Tummel Bridge got underway this week.

It is hoped the work, which requires the removal of the existing paintwork and the application of a new paint system, will protect the steelwork from deterioration and corrosion for the next 20 years.

The project began on Wednesday with specialist scaffolding being erected to allow teams to work from a platform that suspended beneath the bridge girders.

Traffic operation on the A9 will remain open throughout the project as the works will take place beneath the bridge deck.

However, one lane of the A924 off-slip to Pitlochry will be closed for the duration of the project to allow safe access to the underside of the structure.

An overnight closure of the off-slip will be required from Tuesday, February 9 to Friday, February 12 and from Thursday, September 7 to Friday, September 8 between 11pm and 5am to allow the contractor to safely set up and remove the work site.

A diversion route will be implemented during these periods with A9 traffic being directed to use the northern junction with the A924 to access the town.

Eddie Ross, BEAR Scotland’s north west representative, said: “Repainting of theTummel Bridge on the A9 will allow us to protect the structure from corrosion and the elements for years to come.

“We’ve arranged for the work to take place beneath the bridge deck meaning minimal impact to trunk road users; however, some restrictions will be required at certain times to facilitate the works and allow safe access to be taken by our operatives.

“Teams will do all they can to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible, and we thank motorists and the local community in advance for their patience while we implement these improvements.”