Plans have been drawn up to remove some of the most dangerous junctions on the A9.
The road north of Perth has a notorious reputation, having claimed 19 lives in the last two years.
The proposals are part of the Scottish Government’s major upgrade of the route, which includes a pledge to dual its entire length by 2025.
Transport Scotland has unveiled plans to transform the junctions at Birnam, Dunkeld and Dalguise in the hope this will help cut the death toll.
Studies have shown that there were 22 accidents on the three-mile section between 2006 and 2010. Three of these resulted in fatalities, with another four described as ”serious”.
In a bid to ease the dangers posed by the estimated 13,500 vehicles travelling along the road every day, Transport Scotland hopes to introduce new traffic calming measures.
The agency has devised seven possible options for the junctions and these will be discussed by Perth and Kinross councillors.
In a report to go before the enterprise and infrastructure committee, depute environment director Jim Valentine has indicated the preferred solutions.
Proposals for the Birnam junction will prevent traffic turning across the A9 to head into the village or join the B867 to Bankfoot.
Drivers will be required to use an underpass, similar to that in place at Bankfoot and the option preferred by Mr Valentine, or will have to travel through Birnam to get on to the B867, totally removing the existing connection with the trunk road.
Three separate plans have been put forward for the Dunkeld junction a bridge, a roundabout and an underpass.
Due to concerns about flooding and the need to reroute school, windfarm and forestry transport if an underpass was introduced, councillors are being recommended to support the bridge plan.
At Dalguise, an underpass would be created, either with connections in both directions or with no exit for southbound traffic. The latter is the preferred option.
Although the local authority is in favour of altering the three junctions, questions have been raised over the need for change at the Tullybelton junction on the Luncarty to Birnam Pass.
Transport Scotland has identified significant issues with this six-mile stretch of road, which has had 24 accidents in four years, including two fatalities.
Proposals have been made for a bridge over the new dual carriageway, which would prevent motorists travelling from Tullybelton to Stanley having to negotiate the A9.
In his report, Mr Valentine says: ”The council question whether a grade separated junction is required at this location, given the close proximity to the Luncarty and Bankfoot junctions and the current minimal use it is subjected to. If a new junction attracted more local traffic to this route, then significant improvements would be required on the link road to Stanley.
”The council are of the view that a better solution may be had by upgrading local roads to the existing junctions which serve the community well.”
Although the local authority is ”fully supportive” of the A9 dualling plans, there are concerns. These include the need for information on any impact on the core path network and national cycle routes, as well as a requirement for more attention to be given to providing lay-bys and services.