Perthshire residents get chance to shape dualling programme.

Chance to vote on shortlist of options put forward for major infrastructure project

Perthshire residents can have a major say in one of the chosen routes for the £3 billion A9 dualling programme.

Organised by the A9 Co-Creative, today’s Big Decide event at Birnam Institute will see people viewing and discussing a shortlist of four options.

They will then be able to vote for their preferred route. Votes can also be cast online or by post, and voting will remain open until July 2.

Children and young people are also being encouraged to take part. The Children’s Parliament will be running a workshop to help young people vote.

The A9 Co-Creative is a partnership of the Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group and Transport Scotland, and Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS).

“Since early-2018 the A9 Co-Creative has received more than 160 design ideas from the community for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of the A9,” a spokesman said.

“These were developed into a longlist of design ideas which were ranked by the community in May. The final shortlist of options for the whole route will be the focus of the display on June 23 and will be the subject of the vote.”

Alasdair Wylie, co-ordinator of the Birnam to Ballinluig A9 community group, said: “This huge infrastructure project will have a lasting impact on the people, environment and cultural heritage of this very special area.

“By working together with Transport Scotland we are ensuring the community’s voice is heard throughout the process.

“This co-creative approach has never been done before, and it is a unique opportunity for local residents to continue to be involved and have their say.”

Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council chairman Stewart Paton said: “Two years ago, Transport Scotland put forward a number of different proposals, and three options were presented at the time. They held a public meeting two years ago and the community council felt none of the options proposed were attractive or appropriate.

“It is a really challenging section of the A9 and probably the only part that impinges so closely on the community.”

Three of the options that will be voted on for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing involve a 70mph limit with one route having an offline tunnel.

Two of the proposals have areas set aside for community use beside Dunkeld and Birnam rail station car park, and one of the route options has a 50mph limit.

The Scottish Government is behind the dualling of the A9 Perth to Inverness road. It will upgrade 80 miles of single carriageway to dual carriageway. The dualling should be completed by 2025.

For more information on the Birnam to Tay Crossing voting options visit www.A9Co-Creative.scot

It is a really challenging section of the A9 and probably the only part that impinges so closely on the community. STEWART PATON