A firm commitment has been given by the Scottish Government to explore the creation of a permanent crossing at an A9 blackspot.
Thousands of people are backing a petition calling for a permanent footbridge at Gleneagles train station.
A temporary bridge, which was put in place for the Ryder Cup, is due to be dismantled by Transport Scotland today.
Locals want to see a full-time replacement to slash the stretch’s tally of serious accidents, including two recent fatalities.
In a parliamentary debate on the success of the Ryder Cup, cabinet secretary for sports, equalities and pensioners’ rights Shona Robison revealed that transport minister Keith Brown had given his commitment to investigate the prospect of a new footbridge.
She added that Transport Scotland “will engage with the community and the council on the matter”.
Auchterarder campaigner Ronnie Johnston, who is behind the petition, said: “I think that this is a very significant development. It is great news to hear that the Scottish Government is taking this issue so seriously, but that needs to be accompanied by a genuine and widespread community consultation.”
He said more than 3,000 people had signed the petition on and offline.
“I have barely spoken to a single person who has been unwilling to add their name to the petition and that has shown that people clearly feel very strongly about this cause,” he said.
“Now that we have this firm commitment to investigate the possibility of making the bridge permanent we need to keep the pressure on.”
Mr Johnston thanked Mr Brown for taking an interest, adding: “I can now only ask that he ensure that there is widespread engagement with the entire community.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Annabelle Ewing welcomed the latest development.
“I am sure that the gentleman in Auchterarder who started the petition and the community concerned will be pleased to hear that progress will be made. I will be in touch with the transport minister to ensure that that proceeds in a reasonable timeframe.”